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TheMayor.EU is an information platform that keeps you informed about the latest developments and local policies in the European citiesBarcelona to acquire hybrid buses of new generationThe Catalan capital will be among the first European cities to have hybrid articulated buses with compressed natural gasSat, 06 Jun 2020 20:00:00 +0300Transporthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/barcelona-to-acquire-hybrid-buses-of-new-generation
https://www.themayor.eu/et/barcelona-to-acquire-hybrid-buses-of-new-generation<p style="text-align: justify;">The Metropolitan transport operator of Barcelona TMB is in the process of renewing its fleet and making it more sustainable. A couple of days ago, the company opened a procedure to acquire 46 hybrids, with compressed natural gas (CNG), 16 of which articulated. Once the purchase is complete, Barcelona will join just a handful of other European cities using buses with this kind of emission reduction technology.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Public transport in Barcelona becomes more sustainable and safer</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The new vehicles are meant to replace the 15-year-old ones that are soon going to reach the end of their recommended lifetime. But apart from reducing the age of the fleet, which was 8.78 years on average by the end of 2019, the purchase is expected to lead to an improvement in environmental quality and safety. The order, currently in the bidding phase, also includes standard vehicles and minibuses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The operation marks the first time that TMB opens a tender to incorporate new buses combining electric and CNG engines. The 13 vehicles with this technology that are already part of the fleet were built from conventional compressed natural gas vehicles to which were added two electric motors, a generator and other components in 2012-2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The hybrid system further reduces the emissions of CNG vehicles compared to a conventional vehicle, as it is applied on an engine that is considered environmentally advanced (EEV) which emits almost no particles and 90% fewer nitrogen oxides compared to a diesel engine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When it comes to safety, the buses will have a driving assistance system with front and blind-spot sensors. Always active, it generates audible and visual alerts when there is an imminent risk of collision.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As part of the purchase, bidders are requested to supply six minibuses to replace the oldest vehicles serving the neighbourhoods. The acquisition of the 52 new buses, with a base budget of 21.3 million euros, is in addition to the contract to buy 23 100% electric articulated buses for an amount of 20.7 million euros which is already awarded.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thus, the active orders for the renewal of the fleet of Barcelona add up to 75 units and an investment of about 42 million euros. Whoever wins the bid, is expected to manufacture the vehicles this year and deliver them in the first quarter of 2021.</p>Drenthe provides financial support for newcomersThree Dutch municipalities are testing a new approach to integrating new society membersSat, 06 Jun 2020 17:00:00 +0300Welfarehttps://www.themayor.eu/et/drenthe-provides-financial-support-for-newcomers
https://www.themayor.eu/et/drenthe-provides-financial-support-for-newcomers<p style="text-align: justify;">Holding the belief that everyone matters and that everyone should participate in society, the Dutch province of Drenthe has decided to financially support activities that facilitate the integration of newcomers. Drenthe announced on Tuesday that they are making available 250,000 euros to authorities within the province to give an impulse to work, to empower citizens, provide equal opportunities and act against poverty.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The financial assistance is motivated by the finding that new residents do not participate sufficiently in society. According to national research, it is difficult for newcomers to get used to their new living environment, which means that they often remain on the sidelines, explains the provincial authority.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Three Dutch municipalities join forces to integrate new residents</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, in order to improve the situation of new residents, the municipalities of Aa en Hunze, Assen and Tynaarlo have started a pilot project. The pilot is intended to better guide newcomers so that they will feel at home and can really participate in Drenthe's societal fabric.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As part of the pilot project, a group of newcomers will be encouraged to actively participate in language courses, work placements and voluntary work, among other things. Through such actions, the authorities want to help them establish a network in their own living environment and increase the chances of this group participating in Drenthe's society in the future. The results of the pilot will be shared with the nine other municipalities in Drenthe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Provincial Executive Hans Kuipers quoted by the provincial website said on the matter that &ldquo;<em>It is extremely important that everyone has the opportunity to develop. There is a lot going on for people who want to build a new life here. In addition to learning a new language, it is also often a whole cultural change. This pilot can help to ensure that these people are no longer on the sidelines but can actually participate in the future."</em></p>Prague gets rid of visual smogBecause “Prague is not Disneyland”Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0300Praguehttps://www.themayor.eu/et/prague-gets-rid-of-visual-smog
https://www.themayor.eu/et/prague-gets-rid-of-visual-smog<p style="text-align: justify;">Few things can spoil the urban landscape like improperly placed advertisement. This is especially valid for a historical city like Prague, whose beauty has few rivals in Europe. The Czech capital has long been fighting against the visual smog, coming from many of the central commercial establishments.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Luckily, this situation may soon become a thing of the past, as the local authorities are making coordinated steps towards eliminating visual clutter. Their latest initiative is an illustrated guide, which aims to help entrepreneurs understand what kind of advertising is acceptable in the city centre and what's not.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>First carrot, then stick</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>"I'm sorry to see the beautiful historic facades covered with cheap plastic signs.&nbsp;Prague is unique, but under the influence of advertisements, its uniqueness is lost.&nbsp;Advertising does not have to be annoying and tasteless - a beautiful shop window or company sign can increase the value of a place.&nbsp;That is why we have prepared a manual to help reduce visual smog,"</em>&nbsp;explains councillor Hana Tře&scaron;t&iacute;kov&aacute;, quoted by the municipal portal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Krist&yacute;na Dr&aacute;palov&aacute; who was in charge of producing the manual, attended numerous meetings with representatives of the different authorities and summarized what laws and regulations apply in the field of advertising in the centre of Prague. She discovered that there are gaps between the competencies of individual authorities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For this reason, new rules, which did not exist in Czech law, were adopted. The complete set of regulations has since been approved by the city council and is legally binding for all buildings owned by the capital.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the authorities explain, advertising legislation is currently very fragmented, and it is, therefore, difficult to determine with which regulations commercial establishments need to comply. This allows for many ads to be placed without proper permission and often end up in violation of regulations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The manual is thus meant to guide entrepreneurs and instruct them on how to obtain all the necessary permits. The <a href="https://kultivovana.praha.eu/files/manual_d-prax-ozn-provoz_MHMP_digital.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">illustrated document</a> is available to download for everyone who needs it (in Czech).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Czech capital however is not the pioneer in approaching the problem in a didactic way. Other local governments, like Brno and Ostrava, have already published their own advertising manuals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, the city authorities have undertaken other steps to address the visual smog. More intensive control is previewed and a grant scheme to motivate entrepreneurs will be submitted to the City Council in the upcoming weeks as well, accordting to the municipal councillor.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The approach to visual advertising in Prague is part of a broader understanding of the tourist attractiveness of the capital and the strategy for the post-coronavirus return of tourism. Arguing that &ldquo;Prague is not Disneyland&rdquo;, the authors of the manual prove that the millennial city will be relying on quality tourism, and not one based on cheap alcohol and parties.</p>Zilina boosts electric mobility capabilitiesA new charger installed near the Municipal Office will be entirely free to use for the next two monthsSat, 06 Jun 2020 13:00:00 +0300Transporthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/zilina-boosts-electric-mobility-capabilities
https://www.themayor.eu/et/zilina-boosts-electric-mobility-capabilities<p style="text-align: justify;">Electric mobility has been experiencing a boom in Slovakia over the last couple of years and local authorities are eager to facilitate it. With more and more Slovaks choosing a sustainable alternative to their personal car, the need for suitable infrastructure has also grown substantially. And that is where local authorities come in.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Evolving with the times</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The city of Zilina and its government have taken the electric vehicle revolution to heart and are constantly boosting their capabilities in the field. The most recent addition to Zilina&rsquo;s arsenal has been the brand-new charging spot unveiled by authorities earlier this week, located right next to the Municipal Office.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"<em>Electromobility is a strong part of the transport of the future. Examples from abroad show that electric cars definitely belong to cities thanks to zero production of local emissions and reduction of environmental burden. I am glad that we managed to establish cooperation with Stredoslovensk&aacute; energetika and thus provide Žilina residents with the opportunity to charge electric cars almost in the city centre. I believe that this form of support for electromobility will be beneficial for the inhabitants of our city</em>," said the mayor of Žilina, Peter Fiab&aacute;ne.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the first two months of its operation, citizens will be able to charge their cars at the location for free. That is the municipality&rsquo;s way of giving back to those who have chosen to protect the environment by electing to purchase an electric car.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The charger itself operates at a double 22 kW capacity, being able to charge two cars simultaneously. It is the latest mark of progress in Zilina ever since the city first started venturing into the field of electromobility in 2018. Since then, the city has made available a total of 4 charging stations, including this last one that has been in the works for the last few months.</p>Berlin expands efforts in securing housing for refugeesThe coronavirus pandemic has prompted local leaders to think about new solutions to different aspects of the capital’s housing crisisSat, 06 Jun 2020 11:00:00 +0300Berlinhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/berlin-expands-efforts-in-securing-housing-for-refugees
https://www.themayor.eu/et/berlin-expands-efforts-in-securing-housing-for-refugees<p style="text-align: justify;">Despite the steadily dropping number of new arrivals, Berlin has greenlit the construction of additional homes for refugees. The new project planned by the German capital&rsquo;s local authorities will see the construction of a total of 38 new buildings over the next few years, with each one being able to house some 2000 individuals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The housing units will be built out of concrete and are expected to last for a period of around 80 years. The first 8 of them will be completed by next summer, according to local officials.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A need for improvement</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The need for new housing has been steadily increasing ever since the refugee crisis first started a few years ago but was further exacerbated during the coronavirus pandemic, when many of the current dwelling made for refugees proved unfit for purpose, preventing adequate self-isolation, hygiene and quarantine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of the last few years, the number of refugees arriving in Berlin has been rapidly declining. On the one hand because of the overall drop in numbers of new arrivals, and on the other thanks to a burden-sharing scheme between German regions. Yet the need for new housing has constantly grown.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The camps that have been in use since the height of the crisis provide little in terms of privacy and personal hygiene, making them a hotbed for the spread of coronavirus &ndash; a threat that has forced local authorities to act with speed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another complication is the fact that many residents of the refugee camps have already been officially granted asylum in Germany, but due to the extremely high prices of housing in the German capital, they have been forced to remain within the confines of the camps themselves. The creation of additional housing lots is meant to solve many of the problems that refugees and asylum-seeks face when arriving in Germany and will thereby contribute to an overall improvement in living conditions of all citizens of Berlin.</p>Finland announces extra post-corona budget increase for municipalitiesThe goal for the funding is to help Finland get back on its feet in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemicFri, 05 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0300Economyhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/finland-announces-extra-post-corona-budget-increase-for-municipalities
https://www.themayor.eu/et/finland-announces-extra-post-corona-budget-increase-for-municipalities<p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier this week the Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin, announced a landmark supplemental budget for the purpose of helping the country get back on its feet in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The lockdown of cities and the effective stop of public life across the country has led to significant economic damages and Finnish authorities are eager to quickly go about resolving them. And that is precisely the reason why they have decided on bringing out the big guns in terms of public spending.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A record-breaking initiative</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The supplemental budget announced by the Finnish government amounts to a total of 5.5 billion euros &ndash; a large part of which (some 1.4 billion) will go directly towards the country&rsquo;s municipalities. The investment, however, came with a warning. Finland is set to borrow an additional 18.8 billion euros this year in order to be able to finance its initiatives and authorities expect that spending cuts and tax hikes are more than likely in the coming years in order to stabilize the country&rsquo;s finances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The funding meant to be used by Finnish municipalities will be vital for the country&rsquo;s economic recovery. Nearly half of the budget will be used to provide and improve basic services that are essential to the lives of citizens, some 200 million will go towards education and a further 300 million will be used for climate action, which remains an important government priority, despite the unprecedented times.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Public transport is also not being left out. Some 755 million euros will be provided by the government for the development of transportation with over 600 million of that being spent on rail and tram. Public transport operators who have been suffering reduced revenues over the last few months will be compensated with 100 million euros, while 18 million will be allocated for the promotion of walking and cycling.</p>Denmark comes in first in Quality of Life Index 2020The Nordic country has been a consistent frontrunner in this and similar indicesFri, 05 Jun 2020 19:30:00 +0300Developmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/denmark-comes-in-first-in-quality-of-life-index-2020
https://www.themayor.eu/et/denmark-comes-in-first-in-quality-of-life-index-2020<p style="text-align: justify;">The results of the 2020 edition of the Standard of Living survey performed by the Social Progress Imperative are in and it is Denmark that comes out on top after years of placing in the top 10. Thanks to its progress in a number of fields and its excellent governance, the Nordic country has finally managed to secure the top spot for itself while also improving the lives of its citizens on the way.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Quality of Life index and what goes in it</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you&rsquo;re asking yourself how quality of life is measured in the survey, the answer is rather straightforward. The Quality of Life index, as assembled by the Social Progress Initiative, takes into account a number of factors, including the health, comfort and the happiness of a specific group.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By adhering to that definition, the Initiative uses the Social Progress Index in order to rank countries by their respective quality of life. The main factors that contribute to the Index are the capacity to provide for basic human needs like healthcare, sanitation and shelter, the foundations of wellbeing &ndash; such as life expectancy and access to education and technology, and finally opportunity &ndash; namely the opportunity for one to express themselves, by ensuring their basic human rights, their freedom of choice and a society&rsquo;s general tolerance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Index aims to prove that it is not only GDP that matters when it comes to a society&rsquo;s wellbeing &ndash; rather it&rsquo;s a complicated mix of many factors, often transcending the material. That doesn&rsquo;t mean that economic wellbeing is not important, however &ndash; quite the opposite, as it is a large contributing factor to achieving good results in the three aforementioned main pillars.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the case of Denmark, the country manages to secure a Quality of Life Index of 196.47 &ndash; the highest for 2020. It scores incredibly well in terms of matching a society&rsquo;s Basic Human Needs, especially in the fields of medical care and sanitation.</p>Madrid and Barcelona enter phase 2 on MondayAfter 8 June, most of Spain will already be in Phase 3 - the most advanced stage of the lockdown de-escalationFri, 05 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0300Spainhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/madrid-and-barcelona-enter-phase-2-on-monday
https://www.themayor.eu/et/madrid-and-barcelona-enter-phase-2-on-monday<p style="text-align: justify;">On Friday, the Spanish government announced the regions and territories that will proceed further in the de-escalation plan. Luckily, Barcelona and Madrid are allowed to alleviate the regimes further, albeit not as much as other territories.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Most of Spain in Phase 3</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">News is good for the larger part of the territory of the country, which is allowed to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3. This includes <strong>Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands (</strong>including Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca<strong>), Canary islands, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha</strong> (Guadalajara and Cuenca), <strong>Catalonia</strong> (sanitary regions of Alt Pirineu i Aran, Terres de l'Ebre and Camp de Tarragona), <strong>Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Navarra, Melilla, Murcia, the Basque Country</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All of them will be joining the 3 territories of the Canary which have been <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/phase-3-of-lockdown-de-escalation-in-spain-begins-today" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in the most advanced 3rd phase</a> of the Spanish government&rsquo;s strategy of transitioning to the &ldquo;new normal&rdquo; since 1 June.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Castilla y Le&oacute;n, Barcelona and Madrid advance further</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The following territories proceed from Phase 1 to Phase 2 on Monday 8 March:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><strong>Castilla y Le&oacute;n</strong></li>
<li><strong>Catalonia: </strong>Barcelona sanitary region with the North and South Metropolitan sanitary regions and Lleida sanitary region</li>
<li><strong>Community of Madrid</strong></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This means that as of next month the entirety of Spain will have passed beyond Phase one of the de-escalation plan. We remind that Phase 2 allows for all commercial premises, retailers and professional services to reopen at 40% of their capacity, including shopping centres. Travel restrictions within the respective territories are also relaxed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Phase 3</strong> allows travelling in groups of up to 20 people. Supervised animation activities or group classes of up to 20 people will also be allowed to resume.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shops can open with 50% of the total capacity guaranteeing a minimum distance of two meters between customers. Hotel establishments may now reopen the restoration areas. On outdoor terraces, the capacity will be limited to 75% of the tables, with a maximum occupancy of 20 people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In libraries, museums and exhibition halls the capacity allowed will be 50%. The same goes for cinemas, theatres, auditoriums, and similar, as long as they exceed half the authorized capacity in each room.</p>Belgium enters phase 3 of lockdown de-escalation on MondayMeeting up to 10 people at restaurants and cafés will be possible, so will be travellingFri, 05 Jun 2020 17:30:00 +0300Belgiumhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/belgium-enters-phase-3-of-lockdown-de-escalation-on-monday
https://www.themayor.eu/et/belgium-enters-phase-3-of-lockdown-de-escalation-on-monday<p style="text-align: justify;">On Monday 8 June Belgium enters the 3<sup>rd</sup> stage of its lockdown de-escalation plan. The transition to Phase 3 of Belgium&rsquo;s deconfinement plan was announced earlier this week after the country&rsquo;s National Security Council met on Wednesday and approved a new set of rules. This means a radical change in what is allowed with regard to the Covid-19 threat.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Since 8 June restrictions become an exception</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The new rules that come into effect on 8 June in Belgium suggest that individual liberties once again become the norm, while restrictions constitute an exception. However, the virus is still there, hence regaining said liberties will have to be done in a controlled manner, explained Prime Minister Sophie Wilm&egrave;s for RTL.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hence, &ldquo;the rule of 10&rdquo; prescribes that it is possible for an <strong>individual to have close contact with up to 10 people per week</strong>, in addition to his household. These people can change every week.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Group meetings, too, are limited to a maximum of 10 people, children included, regardless of their place (indoors or outdoors). However, citizens are advised to prefer outdoor meetings, if possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All organised activities can also restart (provided that their restart is not planned at a different stage of the lockdown de-escalation plan). The hotel and restaurants sector<strong> (horeca) can partially resume its activity.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Cafes, bars and restaurants will be opened again on Monday, </strong>respecting strict security protocols and will close at 1 a.m. Nightclubs, however, will not be allowed to operate until the end of August due to their inability to provide a safe distance of 1,5 metres between each visitor.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Sports and culture</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">News is not so good for the cultural sector, though. From June 8, cultural activities without an audience will be the only ones allowed to resume. Performances with a public - including cinemas - will be able to restart activities from 1 July.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Organised and supervised sports and cultural activities are limited to 20 people in June and 50 people in July. From June 8, contactless sports activities may resume, regardless of being indoors or outdoors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The sports halls and fitness areas can also reopen, subject to respecting a security protocol. Swimming pools, saunas and wellness centres remain closed at this stage.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Travelling out of Belgium allowed from 15 June</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What is probably the most important is that since 8 June, travelling within Belgium is allowed and a week later &ndash; 15 June &ndash; the country opens its borders to and from the EU and UK, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway (which does not mean that all these countries accept visitors from Belgium, however).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, major mass events like festivals and fairs will not be possible until 31 August, informed the authorities. Should the deconfinement strategy of Belgium unfold as expected, the country will be proceeding to Phases 4 and 5 in July and August.</p>Olomouc launches open-data portalOpening its data to the public is a must-do for any smart cityFri, 05 Jun 2020 14:30:00 +0300Innovationshttps://www.themayor.eu/et/olomouc-launches-open-data-portal
https://www.themayor.eu/et/olomouc-launches-open-data-portal<p style="text-align: justify;">Olomouc becomes yet another European city to make its data available to citizens. As the local authorities announced on Tuesday, the Czech administration has launched a special portal where anyone can collect useful information prepared by the respective services.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://data.olomouc.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Data.olomouc.eu</a> has ten map applications and five datasets available so far, showing real estate prices and transport data, among others. The open data can be freely used by anyone at any time without technical and legislative restrictions. It is available for download and in a machine-readable and open format.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Why do cities need to open their data?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"<em>There are countless benefits to providing data to the general public for any use. One of the main ones is to increase the transparency of public administration, because citizens can monitor its functioning. This also has economic potential, because it creates additional possibilities for new business opportunities</em>" explained Deputy Mayor of Olomouc responsible for Smart City Matou&scaron; Pelik&aacute;n, quoted by the municipal portal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He also explained that the portal is also at the beginning of its development and there are more applications and datasets to be included in the future from various departments of the municipality. Based on open data, new applications can be created that make life easier for residents.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"<em>Specific uses increase the value of the data. The best use for data is usually found by someone other than its author. Examples of such data can be municipal budgets, election results, address points, meteorological data, mapped benches in the city and many others</em>," explained for his part Tom&aacute;&scaron; Burian from the Smart City department of the Olomouc.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The launch of the open-data portal was initiated by the chairman of the commission for Smart City and information technology, Luděk Jan&aacute;k. The was established thanks to the Olomouc Plans the Future project supported by the Operational Program Employment.</p>Park designed by toddlers in the works in BelfastThe park, designed by toddlers and young children, will be inaugurated later this yearFri, 05 Jun 2020 11:30:00 +0300Developmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/park-designed-by-toddlers-in-the-works-in-belfast
https://www.themayor.eu/et/park-designed-by-toddlers-in-the-works-in-belfast<p style="text-align: justify;">When it comes to parks and their design, who knows better than the kids that play in them? At least that has been the thought process behind this project in Belfast, which has allowed toddlers and primary school students to help in designing a brand new park that will be inaugurated later this year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the new realities it has forced on our societies, local authorities in the city had to begin thinking creatively when it comes to utilizing previously unused green spaces. The need for social distancing and ensuring the safety of all residents are the leading reasons for this new search for innovation in Belfast.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>For children, by children</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The new park will be located in a space at the city&rsquo;s Cathedral Gardens that will be completely transformed into a kid-friendly zone, according to their very wishes. The new types of equipment that will be set up include a giant hamster wheel, a swinging bridge and a number of outdoor musical instruments, alongside new picnic benches meant to encourage people to spend more time in the outdoors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The project is worth a total of 250,000 pounds and is funded by the Belfast City Council. Additional funding worth 93,000 pounds is also provided by the Department of Communities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Frank McCoubrey <a href="http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/News/News-118276.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stated that</a> &ldquo;After we trialled the pop-up park at Castle Place with the Department for Communities, the feedback was that people wanted to see our city streets and open spaces be a more welcoming place for children and families.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We&rsquo;ve been working with the Department for Communities and the Department for Infrastructure to look at how we can reimagine our city centre as part of our emerging &lsquo;Bolder Vision&rsquo; for Belfast.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the current restrictions begin to ease, and we all adapt to a different way of moving around our city centre, having these safe, family-friendly open spaces will be an important part of our future resilience and recovery.&rdquo;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Construction of the new park will be completed by the end of August, but due to the healthcare situation, local authorities believe that its opening will have to be delayed for some time &ndash; probably until later this year, depending on the epidemiological situation in the UK and according to government guidelines.</p>Rome with a third operator of shared electric scooters In front of the Colosseum, the mayor Virginia Raggi presented 1,000 new e-scooters, Bird One modelFri, 05 Jun 2020 10:30:00 +0300Romehttps://www.themayor.eu/et/rome-with-a-third-operator-of-shared-electric-scooters
https://www.themayor.eu/et/rome-with-a-third-operator-of-shared-electric-scooters<p style="text-align: justify;">On 3 June another operator of electric sharing scooters arrived on the field of sustainable mobility in Rome. After Helbiz and Lime, it's Bird's turn.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the marvelous backdrop of the Colosseum, <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/italy/rome/mayor/virginia-raggi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the mayor Virginia Raggi </a>presented 1,000 new e-scooters, Bird One model. The operational area of ​​the new Bird operator starts from the Circus Maximus, goes up to the Esquilino district, Termini station area, Porta Pia, Villa Borghese and covers the entire historic center. In the coming weeks, the service will also be extended to other parts of the city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>&ldquo;We strengthen the fleet of electric scooters in sharing in our city, a useful, innovative and eco-friendly service. It is more important than ever to respond to different mobility needs: for this reason, we are giving citizens a concrete alternative to move especially over short distances, in particular in the most central areas of Rome, facilitating intermodality and limiting private traffic."</em>, <a href="https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/notizia/monopattini-elettrici-terzo-capitolo-arrivano-i-bird-one.page" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">said the mayor Raggi </a>as she was presenting the new service.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Bird has issued an invoice to allow the user to request a 60% refund from the mobility bonus. Costs and options are as follows:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>50 euros + 5 free;</li>
<li>100 euros + 10 free;</li>
<li>250 euros + 50 free;</li>
<li>500 euros + 100 free.</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Completely green and electric vehicles</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The real-time situation of the scooters (parking and conditions of the vehicles) is managed with a GPS system. By app you can report scooters that are not parked correctly or vehicles that are not working.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Italian capital <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/e-scooter-sharing-scheme-increasingly-popular-in-rome" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">has opened its doors to the micro-mobility market </a>with completely green and electric vehicles, an alternative, especially for shorter journeys. By partnering with Bird, Rome has taken another step towards improving mobility in the city and encourages the use of environmentally friendly and comfortable means of movement, especially to cover the 'first and last mile' in everyday travel.</p>Kavarna Municipality offers free internet access to its citizens and guestsAll thanks to the European initiative WiFi4EUThu, 04 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0300Developmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/kavarna-municipality-offers-free-internet-access-to-its-citizens-and-guests
https://www.themayor.eu/et/kavarna-municipality-offers-free-internet-access-to-its-citizens-and-guests<p style="text-align: justify;">The Bulgarian Municipality of Kavarna informed that it has successfully completed the activities involved in the "WiFi4EU - promoting internet connectivity in local communities" initiative. The project was implemented thanks to the financial support of the European Union through the Executive Agency for Innovation and Networks (INEA) of the European Commission.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The scheme supports the provision of free access to high-quality wireless internet to residents and visitors to local community centers in municipalities across Europe. The network built in the town of Kavarna covers the following areas:</p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;The pedestrian zone of the city;</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;The city park;</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;The park in front of the Yordan Yovkov Primary School and Stefan Karadja High School;</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;The ground floor of the municipal administration building;</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;The first floor of the building of "Medical Center - I;</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;The square of the village of Balgarevo.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.themayor.eu/manager/Kavarna2793.jpg" alt="" width="600" /><em>Free wireless internet is now available in this park. Photo by Kavarna Municipality</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Providing wireless internet connection for all users is completely free and unconditional. For access, anyone wishing to use the service must connect to a WiFi4EU network without the need for identification for its use. The guaranteed download speed is at least 30 Mbps.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>All registered European municipalities in the platform will become part of one large community</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The high-speed free internet that is provided enables fast connection and complements the already existing public services provided in public places. The innovation also improves and upgrades access to online services, which in turn improves the quality of life in local communities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The WiFi4EU initiative, in addition to connecting people, also aims to support the cultural and historical exchange of information. Through the scheme, all European municipalities registered in the platform will become part of a large community and will be connected to the other local administrations participating in the large-scale project.</p>North East Slovenian electricity grid bolstered by EIB fundingElektro Maribor, the distribution company in the 2nd largest Slovenian city, will be using the funding to upgrade and renovate its infrastructureThu, 04 Jun 2020 19:30:00 +0300Developmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/north-east-slovenian-electricity-grid-bolstered-by-eib-funding
https://www.themayor.eu/et/north-east-slovenian-electricity-grid-bolstered-by-eib-funding<p style="text-align: justify;">Elektro Maribor, the main distribution company of Slovenia&rsquo;s 2<sup>nd</sup> largest city and one of the country&rsquo;s five main electricity distributors will be responsible for bolstering the capacity of the North-eastern segments of its power grid.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The task will be accomplished thanks to some 31 million euros that were granted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to the company in the form of a loan that will be used for improving the already existing power supply chain and maintaining its capacity.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Providing essential support to local efforts</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The loan provided by the EIB comes on top of Elektro Maribor&rsquo;s own funding amounting to a total of 81.2 million euros. Combining their capabilities, the company will be much more up to the task and will be able to ensure that Slovenia&rsquo;s north-eastern power grid will prove more resilient to blackouts and will be able to mitigate the costs of blackout-related damages and emergencies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In terms of specifics, the funding will be used by Elektro Maribor not only for upgrades and maintenance to high, medium and low voltage networks but also for the expansion of the power grid itself, allowing it to reach more people in the less-frequented and remote parts of the country. The investment also comes with excellent timing, as Slovenia is on the lookout for large infrastructure projects that will allow its economy to quickly bounce back following the coronavirus pandemic.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Liliana Pavlova, Vice President of the EIB, <a href="https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2020-124-eib-lends-eur-31-million-to-slovenian-elektro-maribor-to-increase-reliability-of-electricity-distribution-in-north-east-slovenia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stated that</a> <em>&ldquo;This EIB investment delivers a more reliable electric distribution network in Slovenia and therefore improves the quality of life for thousands of Slovenians as well as conditions for doing business in the country. Reliable power supply is also crucial for the country`s resilience in major crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The European Investment Bank is happy to support this investment by Elektro Maribor and continue with supporting Slovenia develop further&rdquo;.</em></p>Vienna opens itself to the worldFollowing the local tourism industry’s corona hiatus, the time has come for a large-scale rebootThu, 04 Jun 2020 17:30:00 +0300Viennahttps://www.themayor.eu/et/vienna-opens-itself-to-the-world
https://www.themayor.eu/et/vienna-opens-itself-to-the-world<p style="text-align: justify;">Way back when the coronavirus crisis initially hit the shores of European countries, Austria was among the first to impose lockdown restrictions ranging from the mandatory wearing of masks, to travel bans prohibiting free movement. Now that catastrophe has been averted, officials on local, regional and national levels are planning for the return of their respective tourism industries &ndash; the ones that were hit the hardest by the pandemic and the restrictions that were put in place.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The important role that local authorities play in the reopening process can best be observed in Vienna, where the city&rsquo;s government has prepared a massive campaign aimed at attracting visitors and promoting the reopening of the tourist season.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>An initiative that keeps up with the times</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier this week, on Monday 1 June, the Austrian capital launched the &ldquo;World Tour in Vienna&rdquo; campaign in German-speaking countries. It is aimed at citizens who are eager to explore the world but can only travel to a limited number of neighbouring states. The campaign will be expanded over time to other parts of Europe and the world depending on the epidemiological circumstances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In order to make the local tourist industry even more attractive, WienTourismus is also expanding its services. Namely, through additional help on offer on the website &ndash; like pointers to events that have been greenlit in the post-lockdown period, to restaurants, cafes and bars that have reopened and others.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, starting August 2020, the Experience Edition of the Vienna City Card, on offer for 25 euros for a whole year worth of subscription, will entitle users to discounts in venues all across the city. WienTourismus&rsquo;s employees will also embark on a mission meant to make the city more accessible &ndash; namely by travelling around the city, advertising all the tourist and visiting opportunities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On the occasion of Vienna&rsquo;s tourist reopening, the mayor of the city, Michael Ludwig <a href="https://www.wien.gv.at/tourismus/tourismus-neustart.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stated that</a> "<em>Vienna is a city of encounter, a cosmopolitan metropolis that thrives on international exchange. You can see this not least from the fact that last year we welcomed around 8 million travelers who brought Vienna 17.6 million overnight stays. If the current exceptional situation means more persistence than doing business, I firmly believe that Vienna can follow this success story again. We will start to write the next chapter today. We will not drop our values: Vienna will continue to be meaningful in the future sustainable and value-adding tourism</em>."</p>After the lockdown: 33 thousand tourists currently in CroatiaForeign tourists are again in the majority after almost 3 monthsThu, 04 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +0300Zagrebhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/after-the-lockdown-33-thousand-tourists-currently-in-croatia
https://www.themayor.eu/et/after-the-lockdown-33-thousand-tourists-currently-in-croatia<p style="text-align: justify;">This tourist season in Croatia will certainly not be as profitable as the ones before the lockdown, but the epidemiological situation has already allowed some foreign tourists to sunbathe on the Adriatic coast while some borders in Europe still remain closed. In the last 13 days, Croatia has registered only 4 cases of coronavirus infection. Since the beginning of the outbreak in the country, a total of 2,246 infected people have been confirmed so far, and 2,095 have recovered. 103 people have died, and currently, another 48 people are being treated.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A gradual rise in the tourism sector</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to the Croatian Tourist Board, as of the beginning of June 33,000 tourists are staying in Croatia. About 10,000 of them are Croatians and among foreigners, most tourists come from Germany and Slovenia. Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic also record a significant number of tourists in Croatia. The total number of tourists is three times higher than the one recorded two weeks ago, but a comparison with the situation last year clearly shows how the coronavirus slowed down tourism - at the beginning of June 2019, the total number of tourists in the country was 315 thousand.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Vir has the biggest number of guests, followed by Rovinj, Medulin, Mali Lo&scaron;inj, and Krk. According to the e-visitor system, most tourists choose accommodation in households, followed by camps and hotels. The director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Kristijan Stančić, expressed his expectation that in the second half of June and the beginning of July, the intensity of the tourists&rsquo; flow will be greater.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another hope for this tourist season is that the number of Czech tourists who are otherwise frequent guests in Croatia will also increase soon. Currently, Czechs who choose a vacation on the Adriatic coast in Croatia must spend 14 days in quarantine upon their return home or should be tested within 72 hours. Despite that, about 200 Czechs arrived in Croatia last week.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.themayor.eu/manager/split-3748162_1920.jpg" alt="Split, Croatia" width="600" /><em>Even though the coronavirus has changed the vacation plans of many, the Adriatic Sea still attracts tourists</em></p>
<h2><strong>A vital sector for Croatia</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 2019, almost 21 million tourists visited Croatia, of which 18.2 million were foreign tourists. According to data on the economic importance of tourism presented by the Ministry of Tourism last year, the direct share of tourism in Croatia's GDP is 11.4 percent, while the total impact on the Croatian economy is 16.9 percent. This is what makes this tourist season extremely important for the recovery of the economy after the coronavirus. However, as early as the beginning of April, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development warned that large reliance on tourism in GDP is reducing the resilience of the economy to COVID-19.</p>Porto launches electric scooter service Over 2000 vehicles are being made available by local authoritiesThu, 04 Jun 2020 14:30:00 +0300Transporthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/porto-launches-electric-scooter-service
https://www.themayor.eu/et/porto-launches-electric-scooter-service<p style="text-align: justify;">The coronavirus crisis had a significant impact on citizens&rsquo; public transport habits &ndash; it forced a completely new way of thinking about shared vehicles, namely their cleanliness and the potential threat that they might pose should one use them without protection. Such considerations led to many cities reducing the flow of traditional transport routes and the outright shutting down of other shared mobility solution &ndash; like, for examples, shared electric scooters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the Portuguese city of Porto, however, they have finally just made their triumphant entry. As of Monday this week, local authorities have launched the municipality&rsquo;s electric scooter fleet and have dispatched over 2000 vehicles to the 210 sharing points across the urban area.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Smart solutions return to cities</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Using Porto&rsquo;s shared electric scooter network is simple. All one has to do is download one of the three apps managed by the three operators &ndash; namely "Bird - s&ecirc; livre, goza a viagem", "Circ - enjoy the ride" and "Hive - trotinetas e bicicletas". After that, you create an account, scan a QR code and are all ready to go.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Porto also has some special rules for the use of electric scooters so as to prevent many issues that the vehicles have brought to other cities across Europe. Shared vehicles are not allowed during night hours and are collected between 10 PM and 6 AM. Furthermore, one can only drive these vehicles in the designated cycling lanes, rather than in pedestrian areas.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The launch of this brand new service is a point of pride for Porto&rsquo;s local government as it represents an important step towards the city achieving its climate ambitions. One of the municipality&rsquo;s main goals is the promotion of alternative modes of transport &ndash; namely ones that are cleaner, more sustainable, and of course healthier for citizens and the environment &ndash; and by kickstarting its own e-scooter fleet, the city is achieving precisely those aims.</p>Malta rolls back most COVID-19 restrictionsThe airport reopens on 1 July following pressure from tourism organizationsThu, 04 Jun 2020 13:00:00 +0300Maltahttps://www.themayor.eu/et/malta-rolls-back-most-covid-19-restrictions
https://www.themayor.eu/et/malta-rolls-back-most-covid-19-restrictions<p style="text-align: justify;">Malta will lift on Friday most restrictions introduced in March to contain the COVID-19 spread in the island nation, except for schools and contact sports. As Prime Minister Robert Abela announced earlier this week, bars, gyms and other establishments will be allowed to open again but with a simultaneous presence of a limited number of people inside and full respect of social distancing rules. The relaxed regime, according to Abela, must rest on three basic principles: social distancing, personal hygiene and the use of masks in indicated places.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Office work restarts with guidelines </strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From tomorrow, employers can summon their staff, even the most vulnerable employees, back to the office. Non-binding government guidelines, published yesterday, clarify how this should be done.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The guidelines still encourage working from home. Otherwise, the number of staffers in the office at one time should be kept to the minimum.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Fellow workers are advised to work more than 4 square metres apart, always maintaining at least a 2 metres distance between each other. If this isn't possible, they should wear masks or visors.&nbsp;Open-plan offices and newsrooms should have partitions between employees.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Employers are urged to take office workers&rsquo; temperature on their way in, as this is already being done in&nbsp;most supermarkets and other public places. While at the office, workers should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly and, if this is not feasible, use 70 per cent alcohol-based sanitizer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Walkways should be made one-way while face-to-face meetings should be limited to 15 minutes and held outside or in well-ventilated places. Workers in different shifts are also advised to avoid contact.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Childcare facilities reopen</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The reopening of childcare centres from Friday will allow many parents to return to office work. To reduce the risk of infection, arrival, departure and break times for children will be staggered, while social visits will not be allowed.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Malta airport resumes operations on 1 July</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From 1 July, Malta will reopen its airport to direct flights to and from selected destinations. They include the Italian regions of Sicily and Sardinia, Iceland, Slovakia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Israel, Switzerland, Norway, Estonia, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Luxembourg, Germany, the Czech Republic, Finland and Ireland.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Passengers have to prove that they have stayed in the same country for four weeks prior to the flight. Arrivals will neither be tested for the novel coronavirus nor subject to quarantine. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malta is heavily dependent on inbound tourism. Not surprisingly, the government has succumbed to the pressure of the industry which has warned of a landslide of layoffs and bankruptcies if the season is delayed.&nbsp;</p>Patrik Pizinger: Covid-19 reminded us to protect the weaker and more vulnerableInterview with the Mayor of Chodov, CzechiaThu, 04 Jun 2020 11:30:00 +0300Interviewshttps://www.themayor.eu/et/patrik-pizinger-covid-19-reminded-us-to-protect-the-weaker-and-more-vulnerable
https://www.themayor.eu/et/patrik-pizinger-covid-19-reminded-us-to-protect-the-weaker-and-more-vulnerable<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/czech-republic/chodov/mayor/patrik-pizinger" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patrik Pizinger</a> has been mayor of Chodov since 2014 and has been involved in communal politics since 2000. He also represents the region of Karlovy Vary at the European Committee of the Regions.</em></p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ms Pizinger, would you tell us a few words about Chodov: which are your preferred places, what do you like the most about your town? </strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Chodov is a pleasant city that is currently undergoing change. Coal mining is ending here and our surroundings are being reclaimed. This creates a beautiful landscape. Personally, I really like the dump, which turns into a large part of the landscape, with great sport possibilities.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Covid-19 pandemic caused dramatic changes in the ways we live, work and communicate with each other. What will the remaining months of 2020 will look like for your municipality and community, in your opinion? </strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">COVID has changed a lot. It reminded us of our vulnerability. We will definitely have to think more about how we live in the future, how we behave and we will definitely have to change our lifestyle.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Would you say that the pandemic has strengthened the sense of social connection between the citizens of Chodov? Which municipal initiatives in the last weeks were aimed at improving the well-being of the inhabitants and at motivating them to respect the restrictions in place?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">YES. The epidemic has aroused great solidarity. It reiterated to us the need to foster as a society and protect the weaker and more vulnerable.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The inhabitants woke up with a desire to help and be beneficial to others. I see this as one of the positive aspects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We, as representatives, showed even more how to communicate with the inhabitants. We have improved information through electronic media, the availability, while the timeliness and comprehensibility of the information provided have helped to increase the population's understanding of the measures taken and reduce the feeling of fear.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The coronavirus crisis caused a significant decrease in the municipal budget. Is it clear yet which investments will be put on hold and which will continue, despite the changed circumstances?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Yes. We need to adjust our investment and spending priorities. Our financial planning has been responsible and always subject to balanced management.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, we will not avoid postponing investments for 2020, which are spread out over several years, and at the moment it is not clear whether the city will have the funds to complete them in the coming years.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>This year you were nominated to represent your region at the European Committee of the Regions, the institution which gives voice to the local and regional authorities in the EU. Do you intend to put any specific issues on the EU agenda?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In total, I want to address 3 topics. Our region is a region that is leaving coal mining and processing. Thanks to this, we will undergo a relatively extensive transformation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I also live in the border region. We are adjacent to the Federal Republic of Germany. I am also the co-president of Euregia Egrensis. I see cross-border cooperation as important. It is one of the pillars of European cooperation and should be significantly strengthened in the coming years. It was the course of the COVID epidemic and the dramatically rapid closure of borders between states that was the warning signal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I am also convinced that inter-municipal cooperation is of great importance, and here I would like to bring my experience to the CoR. In these areas, I would like to benefit the CoR and my goal is to represent our region in this way.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Is there any project or an innovative practice from your town that you believe is worth sharing with the other mayors in the European Union? </strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Yes. We have experience that has its roots in the bitter post-war years. The Second World War and the development after it left a bitter mark in the history of our city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our city lies in the so-called Sudetenland. This has affected both the development and the current state.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Through careful work with history, traditions and communication, I think that we have managed to create a bridge between the past and the present, we can heal historical wounds and especially the current population, which simply does not have its historical roots in this area, manages to identify with the region, to consider it their home. I consider this to be socially important and I believe that we can share our experience.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What do you consider to be your greatest achievements since stepping into office?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">My goal is to make Chodov a city where all its inhabitants live well. It may sound like an enema, but it's true.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Only a satisfied resident will be proud of his city, will be involved and will want to help with its administration and management. That's what I follow and that's how I make decisions. Every decision, every investment should, in my view, be aimed at the common good and should be made with regard to the inhabitants of Chodov.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/czech-republic/chodov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Explore Chodov</em></a><em> or </em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Lille pledges 80 million euros to support the local economyThe focus is on the enterprises and the energy transitionThu, 04 Jun 2020 09:30:00 +0300Tourismhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/lille-pledges-80-million-euros-to-support-the-local-economy
https://www.themayor.eu/et/lille-pledges-80-million-euros-to-support-the-local-economy<p style="text-align: justify;">The European Metropolis of Lille has announced on Monday an ambitious plan to support the local economy, gravely affected by the coronavirus crisis. The massive economic recovery plan previews 66,1 million euros to help economic actors in difficulty and encourage the restart of their activity. This amount comes on top of other economic measures implemented by the French authority since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Relaunch of the economic activity of Lille</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Metropolis of Lille will be providing more than 80 million euros overall to support the restart of its economy, according to a municipal press release published on Monday 1 June. Some 14,6 million have already been invested in anti-crisis measures, but this clearly was not enough.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That is why the authority has decided to increase its aid to help companies, artisans and local traders. What is more, the plan comes on top of the systems put in place by the State and all the institutional actors, including the Hauts-de-France Region.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The most urgent task, according to Lille, is to successfully maintain the economic activity in order to preserve jobs, especially in the most affected sectors that were suddenly forced to close their doors. That is precisely why the restart plan has been drafted in consultation with the business community and all municipalities, reads the press release.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The stimulus plan is of a completely different scale and revolves around nine areas, with an emphasis on companies and energy transition projects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It previews to cover 3 months&rsquo; worth of rent for up to 16&nbsp;000 traders, lump-sum aid to small businesses, traders, artisans, farmers, horticulturalists, and tourism professionals committed to the ecological and energy transition (20 million).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A new advance system will help micro-enterprises with up to 30,000 euros each repayable within 3 to 5 years. 17 actions implemented with the municipalities will support the proximity trade.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Important measures are previewed to support the construction sector, energy renovation and housing. Among others, some 9 million will go for the renovation of social housing units, while another 12 are previewed or the renovation of student residences in the Cit&eacute; Scientifique, improving the quality of life for students and enhancing the attractiveness of the Lille campus.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, there are concrete actions to support the tourist and events sector. Lille will be mobilising EUR 2.4 million to promote the destination attractiveness, to boost the business tourism and event dynamics in the metropolitan area.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>About the European Metropolis Lille</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Metropolis of Lille is composed of 95 municipalities and has 1,2 million inhabitants. It is competent in the fields of housing, economy, public space, town and country planning, urban policy, culture, sport, tourism and more.</p>Lublin ready to welcome Polish cup finals in JulyStarting 19 June, football stadiums in Poland will begin partially reopening to the publicWed, 03 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0300Sporthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/lublin-ready-to-welcome-polish-cup-finals-in-july
https://www.themayor.eu/et/lublin-ready-to-welcome-polish-cup-finals-in-july<p style="text-align: justify;">Great news for the football enthusiast of Poland &ndash; the date and place of the finals of the Totolotek Polish Cup are now known. The finals of the second-most popular football event in Poland will take place in Lublin, on July 24th, at the municipal Arena Lublin at 20:00, as announced by the mayor of the city <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/poland/lublin/mayor/krzysztof-zuk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Krzysztof Żuk</a> on his Facebook profile.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>&ldquo;I talked about this yesterday with the president of PZPN Zbigniew Boniek. I assured that we are fully ready to organize the final match at Arena Lublin. And today we have the official decision of PZPN!&rdquo;</em> wrote the Polish mayor.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Indoor sports resume in Poland</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This certainly is great news for sports enthusiasts from all across the country, who much like everywhere else in Europe, have been deprived of watching live games for months, due to the coronavirus restrictions. The announcement of the time and place of the final game in the Polish football competition is, however, just one among several reasons for joy for the fans.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last week, the government of Poland also announced the partial reopening of football stadiums to the public after 19 June. Football fans will be able to take up to 25 per cent of the seats in stadiums while adhering to the strict sanitary requirements in place.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">No grouping of people, appropriate rules regarding disinfection, purchase of tickets and assembling of fans in the stadium - solutions to all these problem areas are yet to be developed in cooperation with the Polish Football Association, also explained the country's government.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, after a break related to the epidemic caused by coronavirus, PKO Ekstraklasa players, as well as I and II leagues, came back to the pitch last weekend. The first match of PKO Ekstraklasa football league - albeit without the supporters in the stands &ndash; was held on May 29 at 18.00 in Wroclaw.</p>Ghent wins international car sharing awardThe Belgian city almost tripled the number of car-sharers in just 5 yearsWed, 03 Jun 2020 19:30:00 +0300Parishttps://www.themayor.eu/et/ghent-wins-international-car-sharing-award
https://www.themayor.eu/et/ghent-wins-international-car-sharing-award<p style="text-align: justify;">Last week Ghent received an important recognition for its car-sharing promotion and support policies. During a digital event held on 28 May, the Belgian city won the Regional CSA Carsharing City Award beating Bremen, Bergen, Lisbon and Ljubljana.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ghent - A model carshare city</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The awards were given by Movmi and CSA, an international carsharing association, that promotes the benefits of car sharing. The winners were selected by a jury comprised of 6 members coming from different countries based on a carshare analysis with three components - Vision and Leadership, Policy Framework, Operational Ease and Resilience.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ghent scored 5/5 in the first and last and 4/5 in the second indicator. Among the reasons for the high score of the Belgian city are the facts that its local government staff use carsharing vehicles for work-related travel and that it has adopted a Carshare Action Plan with clear metrics which wants a 10% share of the population to start using shared vehicles.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Also, shared cars can park for free in Ghent and have reserved parking places where drivers can pick up and return the cars. There are also places reserved for electric car-sharing at electric charging stations. In addition, the City of Ghent provides subsidies for the purchase of electric shared cars and assists in membership with a subsidy of 35 euros per new car dealer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Today Ghent has nearly 14,000 car sharers which is a huge increase compared to 2015 when their number was just 4,000. The goal for 2025 is a total of 25,000 users.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&ldquo;<em>Car sharing &hellip; takes up less space, you don't have to worry about insurance or maintenance, and you are much more aware of car use. For people with a limited income, car sharing also offers access to a car without having to buy one yourself</em>&rdquo;, commented Alderman Filip Watteeuw, responsible for Mobility, quoted by the municipal website.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The top 5 in the category regional cities according to the <a href="https://movmi.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020CarshareCityAwardsReport.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2020 Carshare City Awards Report</a> includes the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, Bergen (Norway), Bremen (Germany) and the Portuguese capital Lisbon. <strong>Milan</strong> (Italy) was declared the winner among the Metropolitan cities, followed by Munich (Germany), Vancouver (Canada), Madrid and Paris (4<sup>th</sup> place together) and Calgary (Canada).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Carsharing, explain the Awards&rsquo; organisers, has a positive impact on communities, as it leads to a reduced number of vehicles owned and fewer kilometres travelled.</p>Oradea has a solution to the traffic problem in the Central Protected AreaThe Romanian municipality will invest almost 3 million euros in a new multi-storey public parking lotWed, 03 Jun 2020 17:30:00 +0300Transporthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/oradea-has-a-solution-to-the-traffic-problem-in-the-central-protected-area
https://www.themayor.eu/et/oradea-has-a-solution-to-the-traffic-problem-in-the-central-protected-area<p style="text-align: justify;">During the meeting of the Local Council of the Romanian Municipality of Oradea held on 28 May, a new important infrastructure decision was made - namely that the Detailed Urban Plan (DUP) for the construction of the multi-storey public parking lot in Iosif Vulcan Street №10-12 was approved.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The project was drawn up by SC Cofido SRL with the documentation aiming at establishing the conditions for the construction of a multi-storey public parking lot on land located in the Central Protected Area. The initiative is expected to ease road and pedestrian traffic in Oradea.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to the Local Regulation of Urbanism of Oradea Municipality, for any intervention aimed at building a new building in the Central Protected Area, it is necessary to develop a DUP for the plot on which it is to be built. The parking will, thereby, encompass a stretch of land of a total of 4179 sq m.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Parking spaces for cars, bicycles and motorcycles</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to the proposed solution, this investment is very important because its realization will solve the problem of parking spaces in the central area. The total value of the investment is 13,545,608 lei (2,797,422.90&nbsp;euros) without VAT, and the duration of the execution of the objective is expected to be 12 months.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The new above-ground parking will have 145 car spaces, of which 6 are intended for use by people with disabilities. In addition to parking spaces, there will be also spaces for bicycles and motorcycles.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The car and pedestrian access to the building will be made through the southern part, from Iosif Vulcan Street, one on the north side, and the second opposite, on the south. Next to the main access, it is proposed to locate the staff room where the entrance and exit of the car park will be supervised, and from where the whole complex will be managed.</p>Bringing art to people’s homes in Fingal, literallyVia a dedicated website, residents can request Aoife Dunne’s mobile digital artwork to be displayed outside their property Wed, 03 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +0300Culturehttps://www.themayor.eu/et/bringing-art-to-peoples-homes-in-fingal-literally
https://www.themayor.eu/et/bringing-art-to-peoples-homes-in-fingal-literally<p style="text-align: justify;">Fingal multidisciplinary artist and art director Aoife Dunne wanted to create something to cheer up fellow residents who are home-bound and feeling increasingly anxious, depressed and disconnected during the Covid-19 pandemic. Good, but how was she going to make them see her creation?</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Rephrasing an old proverb</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Artists around the world are resorting to Internet platforms nowadays to create new work and stay in touch with their audiences but for Aoife this was not a solution. Drawing inspiration from the popular saying <em>'If the mountain&nbsp;will not&nbsp;come to Muhammad</em><em>, then Muhammad must </em><em>go&nbsp;to the&nbsp;mountain'</em><em>, </em>she conceived a mobile art installation that offers the elements of a live experience, blurs the line between reality and fantasy and can be viewed without violating the&nbsp;social distancing restrictions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The innovative idea was embraced by Fingal&rsquo;s County Council which commissioned the work, presenting it under its Public Art Programme as part of the &lsquo;In this Together&rsquo; campaign.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>"Fingal Arts Office is committed to the local and national &ldquo;In this Together&rdquo; campaign where Departments across Fingal County Council are delivering a range of programmes and initiatives to support people&rsquo;s physical and emotional wellbeing during Covid 19, while they continue to work on the objectives as set out in their recently published Arts Strategy 2019 &ndash; 2025:&nbsp;Connecting People and Ideas and Bringing Fingal to Life Through the Arts," </em>explained the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Eoghan O'Brien, quoted by the county council&rsquo;s website.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>"Transcending Time"</strong> was the name Aoife gave to her immersive mobile digital installation.&nbsp;<em>&ldquo;I am incredibly excited to create this work for my community, when art is needed now more than ever. As artists globally are turning to digital platforms to create new work and connect with their audience, I wanted to do something a little different and bring art to you. This work 'Transcending Time' speaks to perception, escapism and fantasy - a theatrical exploration of the borderline between reality and utopia.</em> <em>&nbsp;I am extremely grateful to Fingal County Council for supporting my practice and helping me to create a truly unique, modern and original experience</em><em>,</em><em>&rdquo;</em> said the artist.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Art installation displayed on demand</strong> &nbsp;</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now Fingal residents can request the mobile digital artwork to be displayed outside their houses/area, by visiting <a href="https://www.transcendingtime.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a dedicated website</a>. The Council assures that the project has carefully considered all current restrictions and will plan an appropriate route based on the location requests. The installation goes live on 8 &ndash; 10 June.</p>Riga City Council prioritizes energy efficiencyThe Latvian capital will co-finance projects for the renovation and energy efficiency of local buildingsWed, 03 Jun 2020 14:30:00 +0300Rigahttps://www.themayor.eu/et/riga-city-council-prioritizes-energy-efficiency
https://www.themayor.eu/et/riga-city-council-prioritizes-energy-efficiency<p style="text-align: justify;">On 29 May 2020, the Riga City Council approved a decision that would allow the local government of the Latvian capital to provide municipal assistance and to co-finance projects that are meant to renovate buildings in the urban area and ensure their energy efficiency.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The interim administration, which has been operating for far longer than anyone had previously anticipated, after the city&rsquo;s elected local government fell apart just prior to the pandemic, reached the decision amid a growing interest not only in the safety of residents of the city, but also in times when everyone is on the lookout for large infrastructure projects that also lead to a substantial environmental gain.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>For the safety of citizens and the environment</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Pending approval by the Latvian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, the local government of Riga will be able to provide substantial amounts of funding to companies and businesses that are on the lookout for reliable partners in their construction ventures.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The city will be able to cover a maximum of 50% of the costs of each project, amounting to up to 30.000 euros in hazard prevention works and up to 5.000 euros for the development of the project itself. Aid for the development of energy efficiency capabilities will be capped at 50.000 euros, alongside a 1.000 euros cap for the project&rsquo;s development.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Applications for co-financing will be opened after the relevant Ministry has approved the regulation &ndash; which is expected to take place sometime during the autumn of 2020.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By kickstarting this important project, local authorities hope that over time and through gradual development work, a large part of the buildings in Riga will become not only safer for their inhabitants and passers-by, but also healthier for the environment.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Denmark ushers in new Climate Action PlanThe country aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 70% by 2030Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:30:00 +0300Environmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/denmark-ushers-in-new-climate-action-plan
https://www.themayor.eu/et/denmark-ushers-in-new-climate-action-plan<p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier in May, the Danish government presented its first Climate Action Plan meant to chart the course towards achieving the country&rsquo;s ambitious goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 70% compared to 1990 by the year 2030. The Plan stipulates a series of concrete actions, projects and initiatives that will ensure that authorities will be able to keep on track and accomplish their goal.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Main paths to progress</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the Plan, the Danish government has outlined six main pathways for investment that will allow the country to achieve its ambitious climate targets. They include the creation of energy islands with offshore win turbines, the promotion of green fuels, ensuring energy efficiency in buildings, the provision of green heating through district heating systems or electric heat pumps, the use of green energy and green energy improvements in Danish industry and the pushing of the waste sector towards climate neutrality by 2030.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The most important part of the government&rsquo;s plan is the creation of these so-called Energy Islands. In and of themselves, they symbolize a shift away from the individual offshore wind turbines that are currently widespread across Europe. Instead, the goal is to create giant clusters of wind farms at a single place that will allow for sectors that previously could not make use of green energy solutions, to be able to do so in the future &ndash; such as aviation and heavy transport.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two islands are set up to be established by the year 2030 &ndash; one in the North Sea that will be created from scratch and another one on the already inhabited island of Bornholm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Denmark has always been one of the drivers of change when it comes to climate protection in Europe. Earlier in the year, the country became a trailblazer when it appointed its first Climate Ambassador whose sole role is to push forward Denmark&rsquo;s climate agenda on the world stage and to ensure that the sensible, yet ambitious, Danish plans for the future of the planet are heard.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Greece officially opens to foreigners on 15 JuneCitizens of some 20 countries will be allowed free entry, without the need for testingWed, 03 Jun 2020 09:30:00 +0300Tourismhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/greece-officially-opens-to-foreigners-on-15-june
https://www.themayor.eu/et/greece-officially-opens-to-foreigners-on-15-june<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the past month, Greek authorities have been frantically preparing for the official opening of the summer tourist season. The coronavirus pandemic has ravaged Greece&rsquo;s tourism sector, a vital and essential part of the country&rsquo;s economy and its authorities have been eager to get things back on track &ndash; without, however, compromising their great achievements in halting the spread of the virus.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After contemplating and floating a number of ideas over the past few months, related to ensuring that the spread of COVID-19 is minimized and hopefully outright stopped, including the plan for the introduction of a <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/health-passport-under-consideration-for-travellers-to-greece" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&ldquo;health passport&rdquo;</a>, Greek authorities finally landed on something far simpler &ndash; agreements with countries that have also adequately dealt with the pandemic and had managed to stop the spread of the disease within their own borders.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The start of summer</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The first signs of such agreements can be found in talks held earlier in the year between Greek, Cypriot and Israeli officials for the establishment of a <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/greece-cyprus-and-israel-look-towards-establishing-tourism-safe-zone" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tourism safe zone</a> between the three countries. Now, with the pandemic on the back foot, Greece has decided that it will afford to allow travel from other European countries that have had similar success in combating the disease. Alongside Cyprus and Israel, they include Bulgaria, Germany and countries from the Baltic and Northern Europe, amounting to a total of 20 states.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Additional countries will be added to the list on 1 July, depending on their handling of the pandemic and in line with reports on the epidemiological situation.&nbsp; That is also the date when all airports in the country will be allowed to reopen and greet travellers (up until that point and from 15 June onwards, only a few select airports will be allowed to function under strict conditions).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The official opening of the summer tourist season is the latest action taken by Greek authorities aimed at returning life in the country back to normal and at getting the economy running and back on track.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Vienna expands “cool” initiativesIn the leadup to summer, local authorities are eager to do their best to prepare for a possible oncoming heatwaveTue, 02 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0300Viennahttps://www.themayor.eu/et/vienna-expands-cool-initiatives
https://www.themayor.eu/et/vienna-expands-cool-initiatives<p style="text-align: justify;">With summer on the horizon, Vienna&rsquo;s local authorities can hardly forget the lessons of past years. Climate change is taking its toll on all parts of Austria, but perhaps where it can be felt the most is in the country&rsquo;s capital &ndash; which is why its local government has been doing everything in its power to prevent a repeat of last year when the heatwave proved devastating.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since then, authorities have been engaging in the greening and &ldquo;cooling&rdquo; of many parts of the city, so as to prevent a rapid rise in temperatures that ultimately, might lead to loss of life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tree planting initiatives barely scratch the surface of what the Austrian capital&rsquo;s officials have in store, as they move to expand their &ldquo;cool&rdquo; efforts to more and more parts of the urban area.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A cooler and more environmentally friendly city</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The latest addition to Vienna&rsquo;s &ldquo;cool&rdquo; arsenal will be the Spittelau U-Bahn station, which will undergo the typical &ldquo;cooling&rdquo; procedure, in order to make its microclimate more bearable during the hottest summer months.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A wide range of flowers, plants and shrubs spread out in a deliberate pattern which is meant to reduce temperatures at the location and prevent the creation of heat islands, thereby protecting the climate of the entire city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By the autumn of 2020, a total of 4,000 square metres between Spittelau Station and Wien Energie Welt will undergo greening, while special photovoltaic modules will also be installed in order to save on energy and provide even more cooling.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Construction is scheduled to begin sometime in June and will be complemented by other changes to the local public transport network that are meant to promote the use of buses and cycling. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>E-cargo bike scheme set for launch in BirminghamThe City Council managed to secure nearly 60 thousand pounds for a trial run of the projectTue, 02 Jun 2020 19:30:00 +0300Developmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/e-cargo-bike-scheme-set-for-launch-in-birmingham
https://www.themayor.eu/et/e-cargo-bike-scheme-set-for-launch-in-birmingham<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the past few months, the local government of Birmingham has been working on creating and preparing its transport plan for the future. The City Council has already developed and unveiled its Emergency Transport Plan that aims to make movement in the urban area more sustainable, cleaner and more environmentally friendly. It also comes in addition to Birmingham&rsquo;s overall Transport Plan which focuses on promoting alternative modes of movement such as walking, cycling and the use of the city&rsquo;s public transport network.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The newest upgrades to come the way of Birmingham are its brand-new cargo e-bikes that are meant to transform the way deliveries are made across the urban area. The City Council applied for a grant to the UK&rsquo;s central authorities back in March and how now received 58.000 pounds for the development of this pilot project.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Delivered to where they&rsquo;re needed</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to the funding, the City Council has purchased 20 electric cargo vehicles (13 bikes and 7 trikes) that will make up the backbone of its new initiative aimed at promoting and supporting sustainable freight vehicle practices.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some 75% of these new vehicles will be delivered to the partners of the City Council that will demonstrate their benefits and ensure their diligent use. Among them are The Active Wellbeing Society, Aston University, The University of Birmingham and the Jewellery Quarter and Westside Business Improvement Districts.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Upon the announcement of the grant, Birmingham City Council&rsquo;s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Waseem Zaffar,<a href="https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/article/621/birmingham_secures_funding_for_e-cargo_bike_pilot_scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> stated that</a> <em>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m really pleased that we have successfully secured funding from the Energy Saving Trust to trial e-cargo bikes in the city. Working with our partners, the pilot scheme will demonstrate how e-cargo can provide a low carbon alternative to vans and cars, which is a further step towards a cleaner, greener Birmingham.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Madrid open-air cinemas return in JulyThe 39 summer and drive-in cinemas will have to respect new rules, to protect spectators from Covid-19Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:30:00 +0300Culturehttps://www.themayor.eu/et/madrid-open-air-cinemas-return-in-july
https://www.themayor.eu/et/madrid-open-air-cinemas-return-in-july<p style="text-align: justify;">After a rough period of lockdown and having suffered one of the hardest coronavirus outbreaks in Europe, Spaniards are set for a summer treat. The beloved summer cinemas in the Spanish capital will see a return in July, announced the city council. However, the atmosphere will certainly be less romantic than in previous years, due to the sanitary restrictions in place.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Culture in the open-air in Madrid</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The district cinemas in Madrid will be allowed to resume their activity as of next month, as part of the transition strategy of Spain. It allows for cultural shows and events to take place outdoors. For the most part, the cultural programming contracts of cinemas were suspended during the coronavirus state of emergency, informed the authorities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now, as long as the organizers and the audience adhere to the new social distancing and hygiene rules, there should be no problem for cinema enthusiasts to enjoy movies under the open sky this summer. The conditions sine-qua-non include a 2-metre distance between chairs, an orderly entry in a row, availability of disinfection gels and masks at the entrance, and the absence of portable toilets.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The new conditions apply to drive-in cinemas and 39 summer cinemas which are located in 19 of the 21 districts of Madrid. Their expected period of operation extends from the months of July to September included.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Madrid and the Covid-19 lockdown de-escalation plan</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unlike most parts of the rest of Spain, Madrid is still in Phase 1 of the governmental strategy of relaxing the lockdown restrictions. The strategy goes from Phase 0 to Phase 3, with the regions where the virus is the least present, such as Formentera (Balearic Islands) and La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa (Canary Islands), enjoying the most liberal regimes since Monday 1 June.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Madrid, however, remains only in Phase 1 for the second week in a row, having been allowed to relax some measures on 25 May, including allowing the gathering of up to 10 people and the reopening of commercial establishments, hotels and cafes at limited capacity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.&nbsp;</em></p>Krakow shows interest in hydrogen powered vehiclesThe municipality wants to increase the share of zero-emission vehicles in its transport systemTue, 02 Jun 2020 14:30:00 +0300Transporthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/krakow-shows-interest-in-hydrogen-powered-vehicles
https://www.themayor.eu/et/krakow-shows-interest-in-hydrogen-powered-vehicles<p style="text-align: justify;">Krakow is taking gradual steps towards making its transport network more sustainable. As the local government announced last week, a cooperation agreement can soon pave the way for the further development of zero-emission public transport in the city and the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles for municipal tasks.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A future-oriented agreement in transport</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacyjne SA</em> (MPK Krakow in short, the public transport services provider) and <em>Krakowski Holding Komunalny SA</em>&nbsp;(KHK SA, ) have signed a letter of intent with the state-owned oil refiner and retailer PKN Orlen which sets up their cooperation in the field of zero-emission transport. It suggests that they will be working on the preparation of the necessary infrastructure and supply logistics, including the organization of refuelling sites for hydrogen-powered buses in the second-largest Polish city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This cooperation with PKN Orlen will also allow the Krak&oacute;w carrier to test this solution in regular traffic. The letter of intent also assumes the promotion of the development of zero-emission public transport and a new type of bus drive in Krakow.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&ldquo;<em>Our goal is to systematically increase the share of zero and low emission vehicles in our bus fleet.&nbsp;That is why six years ago we decided to launch in Krakow the first in Poland <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/krakow-will-soon-have-50-new-electric-buses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">regular route operated only by electric buses.</a>&nbsp;Today, 28 electric buses and 34 hybrid buses run in our city.&nbsp;Next year, another 50 electric buses will go to Krakow.&nbsp;The signed letter of intent will make it more realistic to introduce another environmentally friendly solution in our fleet, which is hydrogen supply&rdquo;</em> said Rafał Świerczyński, president of the board of MPK SA in Krakow, quoted by the municipal portal.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>One of the many steps towards reducing carbon emissions</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Krakow has been making conscientious efforts to reduce air pollution lately. It was the first city in Poland to implement the Low Emission Reduction Program, remind authorities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This resulted in a radical reduction in the scale of emissions from solid fuel-fired furnaces. From September 1, 2019, it is forbidden to use them on its territory.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The city, however, also wants to set a good example in reducing levels of harmful emissions caused by transport. That is why the municipal holding company KHK SA, at the behest of the President of Krak&oacute;w, has been implementing local activities since 2018 in the areas indicated in the Act on electromobility and alternative fuels.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the leader of the purchasing group "Electromobility in the City of Krakow" KHK SA carried out a tender last year to acquire 47 electric vehicles that are currently carrying out public tasks. The company also acquired 39 internal charging stations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&ldquo;<em>Thanks to the integrated approach used by KHK SA, the purchasing group reduced the originally planned costs by over PLN 2 million, and Krak&oacute;w was the only commune in Poland that met the 10% zero-emission requirement for the vehicles in its fleet</em>&rdquo; commented from KHK SA. They also point out that in 5 years&rsquo; time the number of zero-emissions vehicles must account for 30% of the fleet, which is why hydrogen transport is being promoted and the available offer for municipal units is being expanded to include such eco-friendly ones.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.&nbsp;</em></p>Lithuania lifts quarantine for arrivals from 24 European countries Klaipėda mayor calls for vigilance as the port city remains in the front line of contact with the coronavirus Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:00:00 +0300Lithuaniahttps://www.themayor.eu/et/lithuania-lifts-quarantine-for-arrivals-from-24-european-countries
https://www.themayor.eu/et/lithuania-lifts-quarantine-for-arrivals-from-24-european-countries<p style="text-align: justify;">In a further step along the way of easing lockdown measures, Lithuania lifted yesterday the 14-day self-isolation rule for travellers coming from 24 European countries. The white list &nbsp;includes:&nbsp;&nbsp;Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Romania, France, Finland, Germany, Czech Republic, Estonia, Austria, Bulgaria, Latvia, Hungary, Norway, Switzerland, Cyprus, Greece, Iceland, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia and Liechtenstein.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Whitelisted countries must keep cases below 15 per 100&nbsp;000 population</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The 24 countries enjoying unrestricted entry into Lithuania are those where the incidence of COVID-19 in the last 14 days has been less than 15 cases per 100 000&nbsp;population.&nbsp;According to the decision of the Head of National Emergency Operations, citizens and legal residents from these countries are no longer required to isolate themselves upon arrival. Also, municipalities will no longer have to take care of their transportation to places of self-isolation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The 14-day quarantine obligation remains for travellers coming from Ireland, Malta and Spain. Entry is still prohibited from Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, and the UK, where the number of COVID-19 cases exceeds 25/100,000 population. The list of countries to which the Lithuanian borders are open will be updated every Monday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Taking these decisions into account, Klaipėda city government has announced that persons arriving in the port city by ferry will be greeted only by specialists of the National Public Health Center, who will measure their temperature, collect passenger cards, and hand over the consent for self-isolation to those who need it.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Klaipėda Mayor Vytautas Grubliauskas has pointed out that despite the relaxation of the quarantine regime, vigilance should be high, because the coronavirus has not been defeated, and Klaipėda remains in the front line of contact with it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>"While rejoicing in the </em><em>relaxations</em><em>, one </em><em>should not </em><em>forget for a minute that Klaipeda remains Lithuania's gateway to the world.&nbsp;Bearing in mind that passengers arriving by ferry from Germany will no longer be screened</em><em>&hellip; </em><em>maximum concentration is necessary in the context of </em><em>possible &lsquo;import&rsquo; </em><em>of the virus into Lithuania.&nbsp;It's really too early to relax</em><em> all measures</em><em>,&nbsp;particularly in view of the situation </em><em>in </em><em>Sweden, given the increasing number of </em><em>returnees </em><em>from that country.&nbsp;</em><em>We should also keep in mind that reintroduction of all </em><em>restrictions will be more difficult </em><em>now that people are enjoing their absence</em><em>,</em><em>&rdquo; </em>says Grubliauskas, quoted by the municipal website.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Self-isolation premises will be available as before</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The municipality will continue to provide accommodation for those who need self-isolation but cannot cope on their own. Consultations on self-isolation opportunities in Klaipeda are available by phone&nbsp;<strong>8&nbsp;640 93342</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As of May 29, Lithuania had 1662 confirmed Covid-19 cases, out of which 1216 had recovered, and only 68 registered deaths. The Baltic country has resumed regular flights to Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands and plans to extend the destinations list to Denmark, Israel and Finland.</p>Our goal is to transform Kozani in a “Smart City” with modern infrastructure, efficient and friendly services Interview with Lazaros Maloutas, Mayor of Kozani, Greece Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:30:00 +0300Interviewshttps://www.themayor.eu/et/our-goal-is-to-transform-kozani-in-a-smart-city-with-modern-infrastructure-efficient-and-friendly-services
https://www.themayor.eu/et/our-goal-is-to-transform-kozani-in-a-smart-city-with-modern-infrastructure-efficient-and-friendly-services<p style="text-align: justify;">Lazaros Maloutas was born in 1956 in Kozani. Mrs. Maloutas was elected as a Mayor of Municipality of Kozani in 2019, for second time. At first, the citizens elected him in the 2010 elections.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.themayor.eu/manager/Kozani.jpg" alt="" width="600" />The population of Kozani is over 70,000 people. Photo by Kozani Municipality</em></p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mayor Maloutas, first of all, congratulations on being re-elected as mayor! Please describe the beautiful Municipality of Kozani in a few sentences.&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thank you very much, the trust shown to me by my fellow citizens in electing me for the second time as a Mayor of Kozani was a great honor. I have had the opportunity to govern for about 15 months the Kapodistrian Municipality of Kozani between 2009 and 2010 and from January 2011 to be the first mayor of the new Kallikratician Municipality of Kozani.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Municipality of Kozani is characterized by its worthy of mention energy features, as within its administrative district are currently installed 7 lignite power plants, hydroelectric plants and wind farms. At the same time, it is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes while also boasting three artificial lakes at the southern part, as well as natural areas of particular geological interest.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The municipality of Kozani is a historical place, rich in archaeological sites, monuments and artifacts, many of them are located in Aiani, the Municipality&rsquo;s cultural capital, within its exceptional archeological museum.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kozani&rsquo;s historic and remarkable Municipal Library, is of outmost importance as it highlights the contribution of our community to the Modern Greek Enlightenment period. Also, there is a number of museums, such as the Folklore Museum, which houses historical exhibits of modern times.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our area has a rich primary sector which is based on the cultivation of potatoes but also on the ever-increasing production of aromatic-therapeutic cultivations such as yolk, lavender and tea.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, Kozani is the seat of the University of Western Macedonia and its academic community and it hosts most of the educational and research activities of the institution.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The municipality&rsquo;s geopolitical position is pivotal as it constitutes a &ldquo;natural&rdquo; hub in the Southwestern Balkans, as the Egnatia Highway crosses an area of 50 km with its two vertical motorway axes leading to Skopje and Albania.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is important to mention some pioneering projects of the local government, such as the Kozani&rsquo;s Zone of Active Urban Design, system of district heating, as well as the Waste Management Company at the regional level, which is a good practice case study for other regions in Greece.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last but not least, of special importance is the geomorphology of our area, with tectonic and geological characteristics which are unique in Europe. Also, the settlements of our Municipality are installed in an altitude range between 300 and 1.000 meters over the sea level.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Your new term as a mayor has started with a huge challenge &ndash; the Greek government has announced that the coal plants in the country will be permanently closed by 2028. As we know the development of Western Macedonia region and Kozani has been based on coal mining for the last 50 years. What actions do you plan to take?</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have to agree that the beginning is always the hardest, but due to my previous experience, which I gained as Mayor, I have a valuable asset for my new tasks. We all knew that lignite, as a non-renewable natural resource, would eventually run out.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For this reason, we undertook some important initiatives with the aim to contribute to a smoother transition towards a clean energy regime. Some of our ideas include the Strategic Plan for the Agricultural Policy, the Strategic Plan for the Branding &amp; Marketing of Kozani, the Covenant of Mayors for the Sustainable Development, an ambitious initiative of European Commission that gives the lead to Europe&rsquo;s pioneering cities to mitigate climate change, and much more.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, a number of flagship projects have also begun development, such as the construction of the new Municipal Library, the planning of the utilization of the energy character of the Municipality, new projects that would transform the area as a tourist attraction, the planning of the Technopolis- a modern museum for technology- and some municipal buildings with a bioclimatic design using RES.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, we run some projects for the development of Municipal assets and the boosting of the local economy. However, the Government's announcements about the closure of all coal-fired plants by 2028 - the deadline of those which are located our region is even sooner, 2023- set a stringent deadline which is expected to affect the wider region of Western Macedonia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">My colleagues and I have already worked systematically to submit our proposal for the development of the region to the Governmental bodies which are in charge of drafting the Master Plan for the energy transition. Our belief is that our proposal will give a whole new perspective on the development of our Municipality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our plan is based on the promotion and utilization of all the comparative advantages of the region, the enhancing of its energy character and its establishment as a National Pole of Innovation and Sustainable Development.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our aim is to take measures in order to make the area attractive for direct investments. For that reason, we are going to launch a Business Park which could serve as an infrastructure for innovative projects in the digital sector and energy, and we will develop a Circular Economy Park, utilizing our experience in waste management.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I also have to mention the promotion of a series of actions concerning the urban environment in order to improve the living spaces, so that both old and new residents can live and work safely. Our aim is to bring new people and companies to Kozani, in order to boost local development.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Please say in real parameters, do you think that Kozani is prepared and ready for the transition to clean energy. What paths and steps must be followed in order to implement this goal and when?&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The truth is that the municipalities in Western Macedonia were not prepared for the transition to a clean energy regime.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, there is a number of well-defined projects which we have already included in our operational planning for the post-lignite period. At the same time, there are also important projects, such as supplying thermal heating with energy from an alternative power supply, which takes a long time for its development.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To be clear, I would like to inform you that for the sustainability and continuation of the operation of district heating, it is crucial to be clarified by the Ministry the exact timeline for the substitution of power supply, i.e. natural gas connectivity, as well as PPC&rsquo;s intentions concerning its cooperation with local authorities of the region about developing power and thermal units.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, it has to be determined the financial mechanism through which our operational programme will be financed. It is of utmost importance that these actions to be taken immediately in order to accelerate and implement our projects, due to the bureaucratic hurdles facing the public administration in general.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Taking these facts into consideration, it is obvious that the timetable for full dismantling of power plants by 2023, it is practically impossible. For our part, we are in an open channel of communication with the government, we have clear views and realistic proposals and we demand immediate and clear answers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From our part, we are trying to have a fruitful dialogue with the governmental authorities as we have a robust vision and realistic planning in order to complete our goal.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Please, share other strategic points on your list to do. How do you plan to finance them?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the city of Kozani lives a great portion of the young people of the region of Western Macedonia. Our aim is to make the Municipality of Kozani an area that will be characterized by a youth-friendly environment and policies in education, specialization, experience, research and innovation and cutting-edge technologies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This strategy is based on three pillars:</p>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The first pillar concerns the utilization of every opportunity in order for our local community face effectively the challenges of the transition to a new production and development model. One of our goals is to adequately identify the direction of this transition, with the aim to develop the quality of life of our residents and at the same time to create all these conditions that will help our community to blossom as well as creating new employment opportunities in the upcoming years. We do want a Municipality that will gradually incorporate applications of new technologies in the field of clean energy.</li>
<li>The second pillar is the adoption of sustainable management policies for natural resources, which will contribute to the recovery of the environment, policies that will be innovative in energy efficiency and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions contributing to the development of RES with new technologies.</li>
<li>The third pillar is the immediate digital transformation of the local economy and administration, in order to contribute to the leading efforts of the business and educational community. At the same time, we seek to diminish the digital divide.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Based on these pillars, our strategy focuses on interventions that will transform the image and function of the municipality in an innovative way. We have already drafted an operational plan for the digital transition of the Municipality of Kozani and we are launching interesting projects in order to welcome young scientists and investments.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the same time, we are preparing a series of projects, which will make the area a pole of sustainable development and innovation on a national scale. Such projects are Technopolis, an energy student camp, a model bioclimatic park, plus all the above-mentioned projects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, the foundation of modern technical vocational schools and new university departments, which will provide the necessary support to young people, will play a crucial role in all this.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Project funding is a tough issue, which is of great concern. The Greek Government has already announced additional resources mainly from the utilization of the current and the next programme of European Structural Funds, especially our NSRF.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These resources, combined with the funds of the European Just Transition Mechanism, along with InvestEU funds and EIB&rsquo;s public sector facility, create an allocation of approximately 4 billion euros about Greece.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I would also like to point out that we will claim private funding and direct investments, which can contribute to the implementation of our ambitious programme.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>How do you evaluate the initiative of a unified platform for European municipalities and its main goal to keep European citizens informed about what is taking place in the European Union? How can the portal be useful to you and to the citizens of Kozani?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I believe in the future of a united Europe and in the perspective of common actions, common initiatives and a common path that we must develop and expand in the future.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In this context, all those actions and infrastructures that ensure equal information, equal access opportunities and equal development opportunities for all citizens of Europe, finds me completely agreed and a strong supporter of their implementation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We find such a unified platform very interesting for European municipalities, especially for ones like ours. We have already entered a transitional period, in which we are obliged to pave the way and take the appropriate decisions and initiatives. As a result, we do need both information and technical help and new tools in order to maximize our experience and be ready to shape the future we are envisioning. &nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What will be your main goals and initiatives you are planning to develop in the near future to make Kozani a better place to live in?&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As mentioned above, our strategic plan includes projects and actions aimed at highlighting the Municipality of Kozani as a strong economic pole of development, innovation and environmental sustainability, capable to support the entire region on its transition to a clean energy regime.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our main goal is to promote projects that will contribute to the transformation of Kozani into a &ldquo;Smart City&rdquo; with modern infrastructure, efficient and friendly services to all its inhabitants - with participatory processes and innovative policies, a sustainable and functional urban environment, attractive to residents and visitors, with a sophisticated traffic management that will promote movement, a suitable environment for entrepreneurship and for the creation of new sustainable jobs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For that reason, we do undertake initiatives and support collaborations, in order for Kozani to become a Center for Management and Entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on the Circular Economy, sustainable agricultural development with innovative cultivations. In addition, our aim is to make Kozani a Shopping and Transportation hub, not only for the region but also for the broaden region of Western Balkans.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We already have many projects to present from those we have had implemented in the energy sector. At the same time, we are planning additional ones whose purpose is to strengthen the energy character of the Municipality and make Kozani a center for clean energy production, green energy applications and energy efficiency.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">An interesting part of our planning, such as the Business Innovation Park, concerns the cooperation between Municipality and the academic community and research institutions of the region as well as with the private sector. Kozani, as the seat of the University of Western Macedonia, with these specific initiatives aims to become a Center for Education, Science, Research and Innovation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A main strategic objective is to further develop the digital networks and the resulting services, in that way that our Municipality shape the transition process towards to a cutting-edge technology economic landscape, characterized by:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Digital Transformation, by making local governance more transparent, participatory and effective.</li>
<li>Digital Social Innovation, by supporting entrepreneurship and promoting the digital economy.</li>
<li>Digital Empowerment, by creating quality jobs throughout the Municipality, thus helping to combat any kind of inequality.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kozani has a rich historical heritage and folklore tradition. For that reason, the new Municipal Library, our people, as well as all other cultural assets, will all have a leading role in making Kozani an international destination and a cultural capital.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is our main task to resurrect the local economy, to make our municipality a better place to live in, with a sustainable environment and developed infrastructures. We are here to transform our Municipality in a safe urban environment for all its citizens and for their families.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>To find out more about Kozani,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/greece/kozani" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">visit the profile of the municipality. </a></em></p>Car traffic banned in Athens downtownThe decision for pedestrianization was taken in light of the coronavirus pandemicMon, 01 Jun 2020 21:30:00 +0300Athenshttps://www.themayor.eu/et/car-traffic-banned-in-athens-downtown
https://www.themayor.eu/et/car-traffic-banned-in-athens-downtown<p style="text-align: justify;">The Greek government, alongside local authorities from the capital of Athens reached a joint decision on restricting vehicle access to the centre of the city earlier in May. The main reason for such a sudden and drastic change is the coronavirus pandemic which has created a demand for more space for pedestrians so that they can safely adhere to social distancing rules and regulations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Despite the fact that Greece has successfully managed to contain the spread of COVID-19, both local and national authorities do not want to drop the ball and are actively working on preventing a 2<sup>nd</sup> wave of the disease. That is why such decisions are justified, believe officials.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>For the benefit of all</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Starting in mid-June and for a period of 6 months, car traffic will be prohibited in the following places - Mitropoleos, Ermou, Athinas, Stadiou, Metropoleos/Ermou from Athinas Street to Agion Asomaton, the streets in Plaka. Meanwhile, other, more mild measures will be in place in Eleftheriou Venizelou (Panepistimiou), Filellinon, Vassilissis Olgas and Irodou Attikou. Exceptions will be made for officials and for store deliveries that are essential for their functioning.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Such a move would allow not only for social distancing to be respected but could also lead to a complete makeover of the Athens city centre. By turning towards pedestrianization, the city will not only become healthier and more active but would also significantly reduce its environmental footprint.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, coinciding with the reopening of the summer tourist season, bars, cafes and restaurants within the city centre will also be able to find more space to occupy &ndash; in times when it is precisely space that has become an increasingly valuable commodity as more of it is required if businesses want to function properly. Similar actions have already been taken in other European cities like <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/munich-expands-bar-areas-by-converting-parking-spaces" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Munich</a> and <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/helsinki-senate-square-to-be-turned-into-space-for-open-air-restaurants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Helsinki</a>, where public spaces are already being converted into something usable by surrounding businesses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Germany opens its last coal-fired power plantSome 10 years behind schedule, the facility was inaugurated just a few months after the country announced plans to completely phase out coal by 2038Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:30:00 +0300Environmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/germany-opens-its-last-coal-fired-power-plant
https://www.themayor.eu/et/germany-opens-its-last-coal-fired-power-plant<p style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday 30 May 2020, what might very well be Germany&rsquo;s last coal-fired power plant was finally opened, after nearly 10 years of delays. The Datteln-4 facility located in the region of North-Rhine Westphalia and owned by the Dusseldorf-based energy company Uniper began its operations in tumultuous times when coal is seen not as a means for progress but as the enemy of environmental ambitions.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ire from activists and politicians</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Development of the new coal-powered power plant was supposed to be complete some 10 years ago when the political environment was far less hostile to such endeavours and when coal was not seen as enemy number one to environmental transition.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The unfortunate timing of the facility&rsquo;s opening also follows the German government&rsquo;s ambition to completely phase out coal-based power by 2038, pledging to shut down all coal-fired power plants and comes amidst the height of a wave of support for environmentally friendly agendas on all sides of the political spectrum.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Green curve</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Political parties across Germany quickly came to realize the importance of the environment as an item on any political agenda following the 2019 European Elections, when the Greens garnered a significant chunk of support. In the months that followed and right up until the coronavirus pandemic, it was the Greens who were polling neck-and-neck with Angela Merkel&rsquo;s own Christian Democrats.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Such a drastic shift in voter priorities prompted all parties in the country to adopt more environmentally friendly stances, effectively leading to the pledge that Germany will phase out coal entirely in the years to come and that 8 of its last coal-fired power plants will be shut down over the course of 2020. And while the opening of new plants might appear at odds with these goals, authorities of North-Rhine Westphalia are of the belief that the inauguration of Dattlen-4 will be compensated in terms of environmental impact by the closure of 4 other such plants in the region.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Slovenia enters final stretches in lifting lockdown restrictionsHotels are reopening and events of up to 200 guests are allowed, while wearing a mask is no longer mandatoryMon, 01 Jun 2020 17:30:00 +0300Developmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/slovenia-enters-final-stretches-in-lifting-lockdown-restrictions
https://www.themayor.eu/et/slovenia-enters-final-stretches-in-lifting-lockdown-restrictions<p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier last week Slovenia began entering the final stages of exiting its coronavirus-related lockdown that was imposed earlier in the year. The Slovene government&rsquo;s handling of the pandemic has allowed it to quickly manoeuvre and be able to lift restrictions thanks to the apparent well-progressing epidemiological situation.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Latest removals of restrictions</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps the most important change to life in Slovenia is the fact that authorities no longer mandate for everyone to wear Personal Protective Equipment at all times. The use of masks is no longer considered to be mandatory, but merely recommended in specific cases &ndash; like for example during bus trips or for children when they end up at the same place with kids from other classes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The requirements, however, will remain in place only for those who are sick or for those who care for them &ndash; like doctors and social workers who are consistently exposed to the virus. Meanwhile, regular citizens should merely stick to their better judgements as to whether to take the country&rsquo;s health agency&rsquo;s recommendations to heart.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Restrictions on public life are also being dropped starting today. The biggest change, perhaps, is the lifting of the ban on mass gatherings &ndash; ones hosting up to 200 people will now be allowed, so long as the organisers and participants do their best in adhering to social distancing and hygienic standards.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, in an effort to reboot the country&rsquo;s tourism, the government has also allowed hotels and restaurants to resume operations unimpeded. Spas, gyms and wellness centres are also included in the list of facilities that are allowed to reopen.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The final venues that remain to be opened are discos and nightclubs, who will still be barred from operating for the time being, as they pose a more significant risk due to their very nature of going against social distancing recommendations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Hittaut invites Swedes to exercise and explore local natureLuleå stood out as the municipality which attracted the most participants in the public health project last yearMon, 01 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +0300Environmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/hittaut-invites-swedes-to-exercise-and-explore-local-nature
https://www.themayor.eu/et/hittaut-invites-swedes-to-exercise-and-explore-local-nature<p style="text-align: justify;">With the coming of spring, for 10 years now Hittaut (Swedish for &lsquo;Find out&rsquo;) has been urging people to leave their homes and embark on an outing, on foot or by bike, or with a dog in tow, exploring the secrets of local nature.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Of the 57 different locations across Sweden enrolled in the public health and wellness project, Lule&aring; stood out as the municipality which attracted the most participants last year. Restarted on 30 May, activities under the project, involving about 80&nbsp;000 people each year nationwide, will run until 15 October 2020.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Find checkpoints and win prizes</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hiiaut is a form of orienteering exercise/game that suits both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts, adults and children alike. In Lule&aring;, the non-profit project is run by local orienteering clubs with support from the municipality of Lule&aring;, the local business community and the state funding to local nature conservation projects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Anyone is free to join Hittaut by venturing out into nature, using a virtual or a physical map to find checkpoints by day or by night. You can download the app via <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.oringen.hittaut&amp;hl=sv" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google Play</a> or <a href="https://apps.apple.com/se/app/hittaut-nu/id1001572453" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">App Store</a> or get the paper map at the Tourist Center in Kulturens hus, Snabbasteg, the adventure shop H&auml;gglunds or the Visitor Center Gammelstad in Lule&aring;. If you're using the digital map you can take guidance from the GPS marker, only make sure you have ticked the app&rsquo;s &lsquo;use&nbsp;location services&rsquo; box.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>&ldquo;</em><em>In Lule&aring; we have close to 200 check</em><em>points</em><em> and this year we hope that even more Lule&aring; residents participate in</em><em> this</em><em> infection-safe activity that is also good for public health.</em> <em>New for this year are checkpoints in the roaming areas of Alvik and Herts&ouml;tr&auml;sk and Sunderbyn,</em><em>&rdquo;</em> says Martin Holmberg from &nbsp;Bergn&auml;set's AIK orientation club, quoted by the municipal website. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Each checkpoint is marked with a metal post with a code on. If you register the codes on your account in the app or on the website of the <strong>Swedish Orienteering Federation</strong>, which owns and coordinates the project, you participate in a lottery. The more checkpoints you register, the greater the chance to win a prize.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Respect the environment</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Checkpoints are placed in urban and residential areas, as well as in nearby forests.&nbsp;They are grouped in four different challenge levels:&nbsp;green (the easiest), blue (a little harder), red (quite challenging) and black (the hardest to navigate to and find). All checkpoints marked with a wheel are accessible for people with wheelchairs, strollers, rollerblades and bikes as they are placed along paved roads.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Right of Public Access allows people to move freely in the Swedish countryside as long as they don't disturb animals or destroy habitats. However, you can't walk in&nbsp;private gardens, near a dwelling house, or land under cultivation, reminds the Swedish Orienteering Federation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.&nbsp;</em></p>Sweden frozen out of Danish-Norwegian border thawDenmark and Norway will be removing border restrictions on their respective borders, but the same treatment will not be applied to their neighbour SwedenMon, 01 Jun 2020 14:30:00 +0300Politicshttps://www.themayor.eu/et/sweden-frozen-out-of-danish-norwegian-border-thaw
https://www.themayor.eu/et/sweden-frozen-out-of-danish-norwegian-border-thaw<p style="text-align: justify;">The threat of the coronavirus pandemic appears to be subsiding with each passing day pretty much all across the continent. Countries are already reopening not only their economies but also their borders, they are reallowing air travel and are gearing up for the summer season. Yet the picture differs if you look at different parts of Europe &ndash; namely towards its two great exceptions, the United Kingdom and Sweden.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A differing approach leads to different results</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">During the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, both <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/local-elections-in-the-united-kingdom-postponed-until-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the UK</a> and <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/admin/articles/articles/%20https:/www.themayor.eu/en/standing-out-swedens-approach-to-dealing-with-the-coronavirus-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sweden</a> chose to follow a different path in dealing with the virus compared to the rest of Europe.&nbsp;And while the UK was quickly faced with the disastrous results of their choice and was forced to adopt more traditional measures for containment, Sweden has kept its resolve, defying the common approach.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The results of this decision are now tangible. Putting aside mortality and infection data, Sweden has just now been excluded from a broader Nordic reopening that has seen Denmark, one of the countries that went on <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/denmark-goes-on-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lockdown the earliest</a> in all of Europe, and Norway reallow travel through their mutual borders.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to Danish officials, the desire to find a workable solution for Sweden was strong, but ultimately pointless, as the countries differ far too much in their epidemiological situations. Where Denmark and Norway have successfully managed to put an effective stop to the spread of COVID-19, Sweden&rsquo;s efforts have been aimed in a different direction, putting it at odds with its neighbours.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Denmark has also decided to allow visitors from two other countries to enter its territory starting 15 June &ndash; namely Iceland and Germany who have also managed to handle the virus exceptionally well and pose no threat to the careful balance achieved by Danish authorities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>The search is on for Europe's greenest citiesThe competition for 2023 European Green Capital and the 2022 European Green Leaf Awards was opened last weekMon, 01 Jun 2020 11:30:00 +0300Environmenthttps://www.themayor.eu/et/the-search-is-on-for-europes-greenest-cities
https://www.themayor.eu/et/the-search-is-on-for-europes-greenest-cities<p style="text-align: justify;">On Thursday, the European Commission launched one of its most popular contests in the field of sustainable living. Small and large cities of Europe can apply and win the 2023 European Green Capital (EGCA 2023) and the 2022 European Green Leaf (EGLA 2022) Awards and be recognised as champions in environmentally friendly urban development.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Why reward the greenest cities?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The <strong>European Green Capital</strong> <strong>Awards</strong> were born in 2008 and since then they have been highlighting the achievements of the greenest cities of Europe. It is of utmost importance to reward the efforts in building healthier and more pleasant cities, considering that more than two-thirds of the continent's population lives in urban areas.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But apart from praise for the high-flyers, the Awards aim to inform and inspire others to work towards implementing the European Green Deal. This appears to work well so far, as the number of winners has grown to the 12 laureates to this day.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What is more, the success of the EGCA was so great that in 2015 it was decided that smaller urban settlements should also be able to compete, albeit in a different category. Hence, the European Green Leaf Award was born.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It has been given ever since, to smaller cities and towns with a population of 20 000 &ndash; 99 999 inhabitants. In both cases, the competition is fierce and the applicants must convince an expert jury, composed of 12 independent members.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conditions</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now, the application period is open again and more cities can join the prestigious list of winners. As usual, no more than one European Green Capital and two European Green Leaf Awards winners can be selected.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, there is an important improvement in this year&rsquo;s contest, namely in the amount of the prize money given which totals one million euros. This amount is aimed to support cities in putting in place urban sustainability measures.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Respectively, the EGCA 2023 winner will get EUR 600 000, while the two EGLA 2022 titleholders can receive EUR 200 000 each. The soar in the financial reward is in synchrony with the important role cities play in delivering on the objectives of the European Green Deal, including Communication: EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 - Bringing nature back into our lives.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On this occasion, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius sad &ldquo;<em>Sustainability is not a luxury, it is a necessity. In these difficult times, when a number of European cities are facing economic and social challenges, we want to help them in realising their sustainability vision. Past winners have shown that it is perfectly possible to live in a cleaner, greener environment and protect citizens&rsquo; health while having a thriving economy. I encourage all cities in Europe to follow the Green Capital and Green Leaf path of urban sustainability.&rdquo;</em>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Everyone interested in applying or learning more about the Awards is invited to visit <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/commission-launches-competition-find-europes-greenest-cities_en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">their official webpage.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Phase 3 of lockdown de-escalation in Spain begins todayVery few territories, however, will advance to the last stage towards “the new normal”Mon, 01 Jun 2020 09:30:00 +0300Spainhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/phase-3-of-lockdown-de-escalation-in-spain-begins-today
https://www.themayor.eu/et/phase-3-of-lockdown-de-escalation-in-spain-begins-today<p style="text-align: justify;">The third and last phase of the coronavirus lockdown de-escalation plan of Spain begins today, 1 June 2020. This, however, does not concern all territories and does not mean the end of the coronavirus treat.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Yet, it is good news for a large portion of the Spanish territory, which now enjoys more relaxed measures than last week. See which parts of the country can today further alleviate the confinement measures, adopted in response to Covid-19.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Final stage of the lockdown in Spain, but&hellip;</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Health Minister of Spain Salvador Illa has announced on Thursday the territories that will move to phases 2 and 3 today. In his words, 70% of Spain will enter phase 2, which is the last but one in the government&rsquo;s strategy towards exiting the lockdown.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.themayor.eu/manager/1mapa-fases-desescalada-escritorio.jpg" alt="Spain - lockdown de-escalation map Phases 1,2,3" width="500" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>For the most part, Spain is currently in Phase 2 of the lockdown de-escalation plan. Image: La Moncloa</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By the beginning of last week, all of <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/madrid-finally-enters-phase-1-of-lockdown-de-escalation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spain was officially at some point of the de-escalation</a> process, including Madrid which was finally allowed to enter Phase 1. As of today, most of the territories proceed to stage 2 (or remain there) and very few alleviate restrictions further to Phase 3.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Phase 2 allows for all commercial premises, retailers and professional services to reopen at 40% of their capacity, including shopping centres. Travel within the respective territory is also relaxed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As of 1 June, just 4 territories are allowed to enjoy the far less restrictive measure associated with <strong>Phase 3</strong>, the most advanced towards the &ldquo;new normal&rdquo;. These are Formentera (Balearic Islands) and La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa (Canary Islands).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The territories that were allowed to <strong>advance from Phase 1 to Phase 2</strong> today are:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Toledo, Ciudad Real and Albacete (Castilla-La Mancha);</li>
<li>Castell&oacute;n, Valencia and Alicante (Valencian Community);</li>
<li>Girona, Central Catalonia, Alt Pened&egrave;s and El Garraf (Catalonia);</li>
<li>Totana (Murcia);</li>
<li>Granada and Malaga (Andalusia);</li>
<li>El Bierzo Health Area (Castilla y Le&oacute;n).</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, <strong>Madrid will remain in Phase 1 for at least another week</strong>. Same goes for the Sanitary areas of Barcelona City - Metropolitana Nord and Metropolitana Sud and Lleida (Catalonia), Avila, Burgos, Le&oacute;n (except the Bierzo health area), Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora (Castilla y Le&oacute;n).</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The risk of coronavirus outbreaks is still there</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As we explained previously, <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/spanish-regions-poised-to-exit-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">not all Spanish territories will proceed together</a> to the more advanced phases of lockdown de-escalation, as not all regions were equally affected by Covid-19. To decide this, each week the&nbsp;Ministry of Health holds bilateral meetings with the autonomous communities that submit applications to change their phase or to earn greater flexibility of measures.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, the minister Health minister reminded that "<em>The risk of possible outbreaks exists and, therefore, caution is the best ally</em>" and that "<em>an equally responsible and exemplary behaviour as during confinement will be the best recipe for reaching the goal we seek: the defeat of the virus</em>".</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Lisbon picks up efforts in providing affordable housingA former barracks in the city will be transformed into hundreds of dwellings for the most vulnerable citizensSun, 31 May 2020 20:00:00 +0300Lisbonhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/lisbon-picks-up-efforts-in-providing-affordable-housing
https://www.themayor.eu/et/lisbon-picks-up-efforts-in-providing-affordable-housing<p style="text-align: justify;">The struggle for affordable housing is a never-ending battle in larger European metropolises. The process of rapid urbanisation and the expansion of cities and their role in modern societies has led to a significant reduction of available housing at affordable prices, thereby impacting the most vulnerable members of our societies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That is why local governments from all across the continent are doing their utmost when it comes to helping the homeless by finding them places to live in or keeping property and prices down by any means necessary. The most viable and the most used solution, however, is the creation of brand-new dwellings meant specifically to be used by the disadvantaged.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lisbon continuing on the path towards affordable housing</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Portuguese capital has been taking great interest in providing lodging to its homeless and vulnerable population in the past, and it has no plans of stopping any time soon. The most recent initiative of the City Council has been to greenlight the transformation of an old GNR barracks into a massive housing project meant to create some 240 dwellings as well as services to accommodate the elderly and to provide social and commercial opportunities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The transformation was first hinted at three years ago when the barracks were included in a list of properties meant for transformation and rehabilitation that will then be turned into affordable housing with controlled prices lower than the ones at the market. The grounds span a total of 22 thousand square metres and were in use until 2015 at which point the GNR dropped the facilities and they entered into a state of degradation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By making use of the grounds, the Lisbon City Council is not only acting responsibly in the name of its most vulnerable constituents but is also actively working for the preservation of a part of the city that would otherwise have fallen into complete disuse and mismanagement. The new dwelling and social services that will be on offer will most certainly be of great aid to the residents of Lisbon who have been struggling with keeping up with rent payments and are in need of help from authorities.</p>
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https://www.themayor.eu/et/coronavirus-leads-to-helsinki-cycling-boom<p style="text-align: justify;">It would seem that one of the unforeseen and unexpected side effects that the coronavirus pandemic has had on locals in the Finnish capital of Helsinki has been to increase their love for cycling. Despite a recent sharp downturn and fall in the sales of other sporting goods, bicycles have not only remained afloat but have also surged in popularity among residents of the city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to local retailers, over the past few years, the sales of bicycles have stagnated and have registered close to zero growth &ndash; but the pandemic has completely changed that. Sales of bikes in the Finnish capital are 60 to 70% higher over the course of April 2020, compared to the same period of last year. No technological innovation has had the same effects on sales according to retailers as they attribute it to the recent unprecedented situation.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>On the lookout for alternatives &ndash; for environmental and healthcare reasons</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The coronavirus pandemic has led many people to reconsider how they want to spend their free time. And with social distancing measures in place, many have chosen a solitary approach that would also keep them healthy and active, while they remain at home for large periods of time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That is perhaps the reason why bicycles have risen in popularity &ndash; they give citizens a perfect opportunity to exercise without coming into contact with others, thus adhering to the government&rsquo;s distancing requirement and recommendations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another reason why people might be increasingly preferring bicycles is that public transport is not always considered a safe alternative. And even despite the extraordinary circumstances, locals in Helsinki have remained extremely environmentally conscious, thus preferring to look to other methods of transportation other than their personal cars and vehicles.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>"Smarter Italy" programme invests 20 million euros to innovate public transport and mobilityThe goal is to encourage social and economic recovery in Italian cities after the coronavirus emergencySun, 31 May 2020 15:00:00 +0300Romehttps://www.themayor.eu/et/smarter-italy-programme-invests-20-million-euros-to-innovate-public-transport-and-mobility
https://www.themayor.eu/et/smarter-italy-programme-invests-20-million-euros-to-innovate-public-transport-and-mobility<p style="text-align: justify;">The first call for smart mobility, launched under the "Smarter Italy" program, aims to promote Italian social and economic recovery following the Covid-19 emergency. It is a new public transport model that will allow authorities, by experimenting with innovative solutions, to guarantee social distancing and to manage new urban traffic flows.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The programme represents a tool to achieve the objectives of creating innovative policy based on public demand. Thanks to the investments, more spaces will be created for mobility guaranteeing alternative means of transport. The challenge with the growing need for last-mile freight transport will be solved by reducing passenger travel.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Which municipalities will benefit from the program?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Future innovations will be implemented in the Italian municipalities already involved in the needs definition phase: Bari, Cagliari, Catania, Genoa, L'Aquila, Matera, <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/italy/milano" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Milan, </a>Modena, Prato, <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/italy/rome" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rome,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/italy/turin" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Turin.</a>&nbsp;Also included will be some villages and smaller cities, which will represent the demographic characteristics of Italy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Agency for Digital Italy, the contracting authority for the programme, has already published the notice for the launch of the market consultation on the topic "Smart Mobility" in the European Official Journal. The consultation allows the Public Administration to the compare market operators and to acquire all the useful elements for the preparation of the tender. The dialogue is open for businesses, startups, research centres and third sector associations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the consultation, the innovative tender for about 20 million euros will start. The amount will be invested in the research and development of new management tools for traffic flows, solutions to meet mobility needs, for the improvement of the mobility of goods in cities, of goods and people in historic centres and villages. More information on the &ldquo;Smarter Italy&rdquo; program can be found <a href="https://appaltinnovativi.gov.it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.&nbsp;</a></p>
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https://www.themayor.eu/et/floating-parks-made-up-of-islands-on-their-way-to-copenhagens-harbourside<p style="text-align: justify;">The Danish capital of Copenhagen is once again taking great strides in creative urban development. This time, through the creation of its very own so-called &ldquo;parkipelago&rdquo; &ndash; a floating park, made up of islands placed near the city&rsquo;s shoreline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The project is the brainchild of the Danish studio Fokstrot and the Australian architect Marshall Blecher. It is funded by the Danish Arts Foundation and Havnekulturpuljen with the goal of developing a radically new vision for the city&rsquo;s harborside, which is undergoing constant change &ndash; not always for the better.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A green project with a new spin</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With urbanization taking its toll on Copenhagen&rsquo;s harbour and with the deterioration of the environment, the rising temperatures and sea levels, locals and authorities have been on the lookout for creative solutions to remedy all these problems. That&rsquo;s precisely where the parkipelago comes in.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The islands that make it up will be set up around Copenhagen&rsquo;s inner harbour, creating additional space in places that were previously unused. The first prototype for such an island was already launched a few years ago with the name CPH-&Oslash;1. It is a 20 square metre platform with a linden tree at its very centre placed on the Copenhagen waterfront. It is also just a taste of what&rsquo;s to come in the future.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">CPH-&Oslash;1 will soon not stand alone - CPH-&Oslash;2, 3, etc. will also be joining it in creating a wide range of opportunities for different activities &ndash; swimming, kayaking, floating gardens, cafes and even saunas. During the summer, platforms can be spread throughout the waterfront, giving locals and visitors many exploration opportunities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, during winters and on the occasion of large events, the islands can come together to create a larger platform, allowing for more people at the same place. The first prototypes, besides CPH-&Oslash;1, are set to be completed by 2021, with the rest to potentially follow.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Like the article?&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en#newsletter"><em>Subscribe</em></a><em>&nbsp;to our newsletter to receive the latest from the EU cities right into your inbox.</em></p>Hamburg launches new programme to support small businesses It is meant to serve as an extension to the measures adopted during the height of the pandemicSun, 31 May 2020 10:00:00 +0300Economyhttps://www.themayor.eu/et/hamburg-launches-new-programme-to-support-small-businesses
https://www.themayor.eu/et/hamburg-launches-new-programme-to-support-small-businesses<p style="text-align: justify;">With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and with the ensuing slowdown and sometimes outright breakdown of economic activity in certain sectors, cities across Europe immediately went about taking action in order to safeguard and shield their citizens from the crisis. Yet, with the imminent threat now subsiding and with economies slowly opening back up, many local and national governments are already considering rolling back the generous aid schemes that helped their constituents stay afloat and keep their businesses intact.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the German city of Hamburg, however, local authorities are still eager to provide support to those who have suffered the most damages during the pandemic &ndash; namely the owners of small businesses and the self-employed who have been lacking the safety and security net offered by larger firms and corporations.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Continuing a life-saving initiative</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After Hamburg launched its <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/hamburgs-coronavirus-business-aid-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">first iteration</a> of a business aid scheme a couple of months ago, it was already known that the local government would have to make a decision on its continuation towards the end of May. And so it has &ndash; against its discontinuation when it comes to the most vulnerable.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The new scheme launched earlier in the week by officials is meant to offer low-interest loans in order to bridge liquidity bottlenecks and create new financial opportunities. The loans are meant to be used by companies with up to 10 employees or self-employed individuals with an interest rate of 1%, &nbsp;guaranteed by the city itself with a total of 300 million euros.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Local authorities want for this new initiative called &nbsp;"Hamburg Kredit Liquidit&auml;t" to act as the natural successor to the current campaign that has seen over 500 million euros already being committed in aid to struggling businesses &ndash; but is wrapping up with the reopening of the city&rsquo;s economy.</p>
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https://www.themayor.eu/et/zaragoza-de-escalates-lockdown-in-bloom<p style="text-align: justify;">The urban landscape in Zaragoza is set for a major improvement, informed local authorities on Thursday. The Spanish city intends to renew a large number of its flowers and greenery over the course of May and June. This coincides with the gradual de-escalation of lockdown restrictions and the return to public spaces of larger groups of people.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Nature makes post-Covid-19 adaptation easier</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Zaragoza intends to renovate with new plants in flower beds and green areas more than 2,500 square metres of its territory. The urban landscape improvement plan of the Spanish city will make spaces more attractive for citizens and visitors, as they are making their return to the local streets and parks after months of social isolation and staying at home away from nature.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The campaign to beautify the green areas implemented through the Green Parks, Gardens and Infrastructure service, is intended to help the people of Zaragoza enjoy the reunion with their city in the most pleasant way.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The action will cover more than 2,500 m&sup2; of surface spread throughout the city and includes the planting of around 12,000 flowers of a number of diverse species. The incorporation of new topsoil that will elevate the plants and improve their visibility and the installation of drip irrigation, which guarantees an adequate use of water is also a part of the plan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The flower renewal has already started from the historic district, and the installation of two flower towers in front of the City Hall is scheduled for next week. From May 13 to 21, almost 400 m&sup2; of green areas have been acted on in the central promenade of Constituci&oacute;n.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The flowering strategy comes in contrast to other approaches, where due to reduced budgets caused by the Covid-19 crisis, the municipalities decided to cut off some costs, including summer blooms. This is what the Bulgarian capital of Sofia did in April, choosing the cheaper alternative to <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/the-coloured-figures-in-the-parks-of-sofia-will-be-replaced-with-greenery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">replace flowers with greenery</a> at some key places in the city.</p>
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https://www.themayor.eu/et/starting-monday-the-netherlands-will-test-everyone-with-coronavirus-symptoms<p style="text-align: justify;">Starting on Monday 1<sup>st</sup> June, the Netherlands will begin testing all citizens with mild coronavirus-like symptoms, announced the Government. Anyone that has complaints and believes he might have contracted Covid-19 can call a national number and get an appointment for a test in one of 80 testing locations.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Covid-19 symptoms? Call the hotline.</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Netherlands has increased its capacity to test people for the new coronavirus. Across the Netherlands, the number of GGD test locations has been expanded to over 80.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The large-scale testing of citizens is essential to containing the spread of Covid-19. Now, the country announces its readiness to test everyone that has even mild symptoms that are similar to those of Covid-19 patients.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Recently, a lot of work has gone into expanding the laboratory capacity, the required amount of test materials and the source and contact research so that broad testing can be carried out to gain insight into where the virus is wandering, explain the authorities. Minister Hugo de Jonge (Public Health, Welfare and Sport) quoted by the governmental website said that &ldquo;<em>By testing everyone with complaints, we quickly see where the virus may flare up again and we can immediately stop it. For everyone with complaints such as a cough, cold or fever, the following applies: 'Stay at home and have yourself tested!'</em> &rdquo;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>How does testing in the Netherlands work?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A national toll-free number (<strong>0800-1202</strong>) will be available from 1 June at 8:00 AM. It can be reached seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and allows callers to make an appointment at a test site nearby.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The existing test locations are available throughout the Netherlands, spread over the 25 GGD regions. If necessary, that number will continue to grow in the coming period. The GGDs also have a number of mobile testing sites and test teams that can come to your home if necessary.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is also important to know that a test should only be taken when the respective complaints are present. There is no point in taking a test without complaints. This might deprive someone in real need of the chance to get tested and puts an unnecessary strain on the system.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To establish whether a caller needs a test or not, a number of questions are asked about the nature of their complaints. The caller is also asked for their BSN number for identification.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Only then will he or she be given the time and place to take the test. The aim is to make it as soon as possible, in principle, on the next day.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Both negative and positive patients will be called back within 48 hours with their results.&nbsp;If there is an infection with the new coronavirus, the regional GGD will call and trigger a contact investigation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From the moment someone gets complaints, that person is required to stay at home and is therefore placed in isolation. Their housemates are urged to go into home quarantine for 14 days, too. The close contacts that are discovered in the source and contact research are also asked to stay at home for two weeks and to report on any health complaints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, it may take longer to make an appointment and to get tested in the beginning but everyone with complaints related to the coronavirus is going to be helped as quickly as possible, asure the authorities. The government also reminds that the adherence to strict hygiene measures and the 1.5-meter distance rule by all Dutch people remains of great importance, in addition to extensive testing and tracing.</p>
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https://www.themayor.eu/et/paris-reveals-what-its-future-high-level-sports-arena-will-look-like<p style="text-align: justify;">The city of Paris has selected the group which will oversee the design, construction and the technical operation of its future sports arena Porte de la Chapelle, announced the local government earlier this week. The facility will host the badminton, para-taekwondo et para-badminton events, part of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Transformation of public spaces</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The group led by Bouygues B&acirc;timent &Icirc;le-de-France was selected on May 25 to transform the former parking lot into an emblematic sports facility. Together with the architectural agencies SCAU and NP2F they were awarded the contract by the Tender Commission of the city of Paris.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The arena will have a capacity of 8000 places and is expected to significantly contribute to the development of high-performance sports. It will host major sporting events, including those part of the Olympic programme, as well as concerts, shows and conferences once the forum is over.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, the facility intends to be open to the locals and the residents of the neighbourhood. The arena will respond to their needs of sport and entertainment through two gymnasiums, additional 2,600 m2 space dedicated to leisure and shopping.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Arena will be located in a new mixed neighbourhood between the gates of the Chapel and Aubervilliers, with the creation of the ZAC Gare des Mines-Fillettes. It is expected to open in 2023.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.themayor.eu/manager/Arena Porte de la Chapelle 2 - Ville de Paris.jpg" alt="Arena Porte de la Chapelle Paris" width="600" /><em>The new arena will have a capacity of 8000 places. Photo: SCAU / NP2F</em></p>
<h2><strong>An exceptional project for Porte de la Chapelle Arena</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The winning project was selected based on its architectural, landscape, functional and environmental qualities as well as its commitments in terms of energy performance and the quality of its maintenance program.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The solid and windowed parts of the building will ensure comfort, high acoustic performance and energy savings. The greening of the roofs, the wide use of biobased materials will contribute to its high energy performance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some 30% of the concrete used for construction will come from low-carbon sources, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The Arena will also house an urban cold production plant that uses local geothermal energy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This installation will make it possible to supply all of the Arena's needs in cold and heat by using 100% renewable energy. The new generation equipment will thus reach unparalleled energy performance, consuming 3 times less than a traditional arena.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The design-production price of the Arena Porte de la Chapelle is estimated at &euro; 98 million excluding taxes. The first half of the funding will be provided by SOLIDEO (A company for the delivery of Olympic works), with contributions from the City of Paris, the State and the &Icirc;le-de-France Region, and the other 50% will be supplied by Paris's own budget. In addition, the French capital will finance the design-production the two gyms for an amount of &euro; 20 million and the program of local activities, leisure centres and shops worth &euro; 7.2 million.</p>
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https://www.themayor.eu/et/paphos-launches-domestic-tourism-promotion-campaign<p style="text-align: justify;">As TheMayor.EU reported <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/paphos-focuses-on-local-tourism-reboot" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">earlier last week</a>, the Cypriot city of Paphos will be specifically prioritizing attracting domestic tourists to its beaches, hotels and restaurants over the summer in an effort to resuscitate its struggling tourism sector.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the past, Paphos has held the number one spot in terms of domestic tourists &ndash; but this year will be different and local authorities refuse to remain complacent in the face of adversity. That is why the local government and tourism board have just launched their brand-new promotion campaign aimed at their fellow countrymen.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Hammering down on priorities</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The new promotion campaign called &ldquo;We are coming to Paphos, this summer we are all going to Paphos&rdquo; was launched earlier this week and has one specific goal in mind &ndash; to remind the citizens of Cyprus why Paphos was and remains the best choice for their summer holidays.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The local government of the city aims to reinforce its number one position as domestic tourism leader by responding to the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. In its aftermath, healthcare concerns and the availability of opportunities for social distancing have quickly risen to the top of the list of concerns of prospective tourists &ndash; which is why the city&rsquo;s tourism-related businesses are frantically preparing to meet these new expectations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Authorities are certain that the local tourism sector will be able to cope with any amount of domestic tourists that arrive in the city, as the local industry has ample capacity to handle a large number of requests. Nonetheless, preparations are still being made for any eventuality, as the nation-wide marketing campaign keeps on hammering the pro-Paphos message all the way up to 7 August.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With tourism being an integral part of the local economy of the city, both authorities and businesses are joining together in order to make the 2020 extraordinary summer season a success &ndash; as its failure might mean a significant downturn for the entire city.</p>
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https://www.themayor.eu/et/aberdeen-receives-funding-to-adapt-to-life-with-social-distancing<p style="text-align: justify;">Social distancing has become a must in pretty much all cities and towns across Europe. Even with lockdown restrictions slowly being rolled back, social distancing measures are set to remain for a while more. That is why local governments all over the continent are developing different approaches to making their cities more social distancing-friendly in order to allow citizens to safely venture outside their houses.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Scottish way</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In Aberdeen, the City Council has taken the task to heart and has received a total of 1.76 million pounds for the setting up of temporary accommodations for social distancing from the Scottish Government&rsquo;s Spaces for People fund.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The money will be used for the pedestrianisation of areas, the widening of pavement across the city, the creation of temporary bike lanes and the implementation of one-way walking systems. Work on these projects will begin in the next few weeks as it aims to make it easier for locals to be able to freely walk around and cycle in the city, without fearing infection.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Other measures planned by the Aberdeen City Council will be based on the further easing of lockdown restrictions across the country. Officials are planning for the closing down of parking spaces in order to create more room for restaurants and shops, much like it has been done in the <a href="https://www.themayor.eu/en/munich-expands-bar-areas-by-converting-parking-spaces" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bavarian capital of Munich</a>,&nbsp;as well as the setting of additional signs and the dispatching of extra personnel within the city&rsquo;s parks in order to deal with the increased flow of people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Upon the announcement of the city receiving the grant from the government, Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Jenny Laing <a href="https://news.aberdeencity.gov.uk/social-distancing-plans-for-city-streets-to-support-the-nhs-are-given-the-go-ahead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stated that</a> <em>&ldquo;We welcome the grant funding which will be used to implement temporary active travel measures, helping to ensure people can walk and cycle during this public health emergency whilst physically distancing and keeping safe from traffic.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>&ldquo;These temporary interventions will help us meet the health and wellbeing needs of residents during this difficult time and will allow people to move safely around Aberdeen which will, in turn, start the social and economic recovery of the city and the wider region."</em></p>
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